“The situation with regard to pubs has been widely misunderstood. For example, Professor Hugh Pennington, of Aberdeen University, has said, without scientific evidence, that pubs are “dangerous places to be” (Daily Express, 14 August). This sort of negative view about pubs may have been fuelled by inaccurate press headlines." - Tim Martin

Wetherspoon has reduced the price of a pint of real ale, Ruddles will cost £1.29, Doom Bar £1.49 and Abbot Ale and guest ales £1.69 (all prices are per pint and prices may vary per pub). The promotion is running alongside the Stay Out to Help Out scheme which was launched on the 1 September.

More than 700 Wetherspoon pubs across the UK will be offering a selection of meals (with a drink) at a lower price than the equivalent food from Tesco - as part of the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

The company is to fully pass on the tax benefit to its customers, starting on Wednesday 15 July. The price of a number of products, including real ale, coffee, soft drinks, breakfasts, burgers and pizzas will all see price reductions, with all reductions fully implemented by Monday 20 July.