Warning issued on excessive Valentine’s Day drinking

Romantics were urged today to avoid being a drunk in love this St Valentine’s Day and to dump thoughts of excessive drinking.

Alcohol-awareness group Meas (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society) warned against consuming too many pints or glasses of wine on the day.

"Be it wining and dining with your partner, or out and about looking for love, we are asking people to look at their drinking habits and consider if they could be having a negative effect on their current romantic relationship or success in forming future ones," Meas chief executive Fionnuala Sheehan said.

“Valentine’s celebrations can often be nights of excessive alcohol consumption by both those in relationships and those not.

“It is important people keep a sense of perspective about the occasion, especially in terms of personal responsibility for their alcohol consumption and the effect it could have on their loved ones.”

Meas is urging love birds to log on to www.drinkaware.ie before Thursday night’s frolics.

Its current 'Had Enough' campaign follows on from the 'Know The One That’s One Too Many campaign', and will run until December.

Meas was founded in 2002 by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. Its members include Ireland's main drinks companies, the Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners' Federation of Ireland.