LAST weekend I was on a night out with my friends in Bolton town centre.

We went into one of the many bars on Bradshawgate and I was absolutely outraged at, can you believe, being charged 1 pound for 3/4 of a pint of warm tap water!

I felt dehydrated and needed a drink of water. I was quite willing to pay for bottled water, but when I asked if they had any bottled water, the barman replied no, so I asked for a glass of water.

He poured me 3/4 of a pint from the tap, put it on the bar and said 1 please. I couldn't believe it. I begrudgingly paid it and sat down fuming. He made me feel like I was out with no money to spend. I ended up speaking with the manager and got my 1 back, but that wasn't the point.

Clubs and bars make their profit by selling mainly alcoholic drinks, but I feel that they should be encouraging responsible drinking. One idea my father pointed out was having the water dispensers like you have in most offices situated in the outlets. Even in a remote part of the building, like the toilets perhaps to stop potential water fights. Experts say that for every alcoholic drink you have, you should match it with a glass of water. At the time I really needed a drink of water and asked for it. But I think I speak for most people when I say, I wouldn't usually ask for water as I feel silly asking for water in a pub. I think the Bolton bars should consider this and encourage responsible drinking.

Kelly Baldwin, Hypatia Street, Bolton