28 MARCH 1908, Page 15

TEMPERANCE RESTAURANTS.

LTO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPEOTA.TOR."1

SIR,—In your editorial note to Dr. Coley's letter in the Spectator of March 21st you say : "The rich have more oppor- tunities and facilities for consuming alcohol—consider the growth and increased attractiveness of clubs, restaurants, and hotels—and yet their consumption of alcohol has been greatly reduced." Do you not think that the large number of restaurants, cafés, &c., that are run on temperance lines has had a great deal to do with this ? When I went to business in Liverpool forty years ago there was scarcely alllace- for the sale of refreshments that had not a license. The temptation -to drink was always prestnt.- Now the temperance restaurants are.largely in the majority. I think this applies to all our large towns. Let the working classes have the same .chance. Provide places where the working man and woman can get refreshment without the temptation to drink, and I believe we -should soon see a better state of things in our country. Is it not a wise policy,—to make it easy for men to do right, and hard for them to do wrong P —I am, Sir, &c., P. H. H.