Binge drinking - State action is needed urgently

IRELAND’S love affair with booze is creating massive profits for the drinks industry but it is also inflicting deep scars on society through its dysfunctional relationship with alcohol.

This timely warning came yesterday from the clinical director of an addiction centre who called on the industry to advertise its products less and give more protection to society.

Unfortunately, the appeal made by Stephen Rowan of the Rutland Centre for the industry to pull back on advertising is unlikely to cut much ice with drinks companies.