CHEAP booze at the start of a night out could soon be a thing of the past if a clamp down on happy hours continues.

With more and more councils across the country purging the promotional event, the government are now considering a ban as a way of curbing binge drinking.

But does the policy demonstrate a caring government or an increased restriction of people's right to make their own decisions?

Richmond and Twickenham Times reporter Hannah Farquharson headed to the streets of East Sheen to see what people thought.

William Judge, (not pictured) of Model Cottages, East Sheen, believes people should be able to control how much they drink. "Pubs and bars should be open all hours providing people can control themselves," he said.

But his wife Irene offered an alternative solution suggested they close early and then happy hours could continue.

Jenny O'Connor from Graemesdyke Avenue, East Sheen believes banning happy hours is a good idea. "I think people will drink more in moderation if drinks are the same price all the time. People will not need to rush in and drink quickly because it is cheaper for an hour or two. If drinks are the same price all the time you can go in any time. But if people are going to get drunk they will do it regardless."

Marc Hope, of Cedar Terrace, Richmond, disapproves of the proposal: "It sucks," he said. "Happy hours are a good start to the evening. They encourage me to drink more in a short space of time, but that's the whole point."

Rob Grainger, from Sheen, agrees happy hours should continue. "People become tolerant to a certain amount of alcohol whether that is two or ten beers. People go out with the expectation of how much they are going to drink and they will drink that either in a short or long space of time."

"I don't think Mr Blair should have a say into this," said Guy Lewis from Hampton Hill. "I have never seen anyone drinking vast amounts of alcohol in a short time. It is just a promotion by pubs to get more people in at quiet times."

Monique Spencer, who works in Sheen, is more interested in seeing Britain move in line with the rest of Europe. She said: "I think we should just extend the times and get in line with Europe so people don't have a need to binge drink. People want to get drunk before the pubs close that's why we have happy hours."