Opposition calls for tougher stance on availability of alcohol

A TOUGH crackdown on the availability of alcohol was demanded by opposition parties last night in order to tackle Ireland’s burgeoning drink culture.

They fear an expected government move to restrict outlets selling beer, wine and spirits in the new year will not go far enough.

Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan warned alcohol abuse was responsible for far more health and disorder problems than cocaine or other illegal drugs.

He called for a total ban on TV adverts for alcohol, and new laws to stop supermarkets offering special “loss leader” deals on beers and spirits.

Justice Minister Brian Lenihan is set to outline moves in January which would see the sale of alcohol in supermarkets and petrol stations targeted. The move would limit the times alcoholic drinks can be purchased in such premises.

However, Mr Flanagan called for a harsher line. “We need to break the link between alcohol and sport and alcohol and glamour. That means banning all TV adverts for beers, wines and spirits. We led Europe on the smoking ban and we can do so again on this issue.

“We accept alcohol abuse far too readily in this society. It is time we took the matter more seriously. We are so used to it it does not have the shock factor that comes with drugs like cocaine.

“But alcohol has a big impact on the health services and leads to civil disorder.

“We need to legislate to stop supermarkets offering all these cheap deals for alcohol, like 24 cans of beer for the price of 12, and placing beers and spirits in prime spots in their stores.

“I see no reason why alcohol should be available in petrol stations at all, especially with the obvious link to drink driving,” he said.

“I really don’t think this government takes the problem seriously enough and I fear we will see a half-hearted attempt to do something for the sake of being seen to something in the new year,” said Mr Flanagan.

Drugs Minister Pat Carey has been pushing for a clampdown and would like to see a partial ban on TV alcohol ads — only allowing them after 10pm.

“Alcohol is the biggest problem drug in this country. It is putting a huge strain on the health service. I enjoy a pint as much as anyone else, but as a society we abuse alcohol too much.

“We need to move to limit the availability of cheap alcohol. People should not be able to stock up with spirits and wine first,” said Mr Carey.