Access to alcohol - Why is it so very easy to buy drink?

THE devastating impact of alcohol abuse on our society is as well documented as it is tragic. What was once granted a grudging tolerance is becoming a huge social and health issue.

The Health Research Board published figures late last year that are chilling in the way they articulate our deepening relationship with drink.

Alcohol-related deaths have doubled in a decade; one in 33 hospital beds is used because someone had an accident or is sick because of drink.