IT never ceases to amaze me that the root cause of drunken, yobbish behaviour in the UK is never tackled.

The Government use it as an excuse to increase taxes in the forlorn hope that this will stop the excessive consumption but at the same time allow 24-hour drinking.

More enlightened countries tackle the problem in a more positive way by severely restricting the availability of drink.

The supermarkets are currently being blamed for selling alcohol at low cost but drink is sold at most corner shops, newsagents, garages etc, making it easier to obtain than in the past when sale was more severely restricted.

Is it not time to copy other countries and introduce strict laws to reduce sales outlets and increase the age before alcohol can be purchased legally?

Much stricter laws are needed to stop excessive drinking in public and heavy penalties are needed to stop adults buying drink for youngsters.

In some American states a licence is needed before alcohol can be purchased and bottles must be put in a bag before leaving the shop.

Alcohol, cigarettes and petrol have been the three cash cows to be milked at the majority of past Budgets, irrespective of Government.

Maybe its time for more positive action and firm legislation to put a stop to the continued mayhem that takes place in most city centres on Friday and Saturday nights and allow the law abiding public to reclaim these no-go areas.

Or, Mr Tax Man, is this just wishful thinking?

CHRIS HINDS, Southampton.