So Susanna Pressel wishes to stop more pubs and bars opening in Jericho, Oxford (Oxford Mail, August 24). How typical of the Labour Party, with its strong urge to monitor and control, and of Oxford Labour councillors in particular, with their strong puritanical instincts.

Oxford has lost many important community pubs in the last decade. The boarded-up Globe in Jericho is a case in point. The city council has done nothing to stop this. But if some enterprising person wishes to redress the balance, Ms Pressel wishes to stand in their way.

Oxford Labour Party should concentrate on the city's many more pressing problems and leave bar owners and landlords to get on with their lawful business.

CHRIS BREWER Eyot Place Oxford