Scourge of cheap drink

WHILE I am encouraged by the Taoiseach’s promised action against the growing problems associated with cheap alcohol, I fear that he may be fighting a losing battle.

Although governmental departments can provide informative and mildly effective public awareness campaigns, it is not enough. I believe the public have grown apathetic towards this “broken record” message and need a more eye-catching incentive to drink more sensibly. I say this as currently, there is little in the way of a price difference between a bottle and a can of beer. As someone who has worked in the drinks industry, I have often seen six bottles and six cans being sold at the same prices in off-licences, while in pubs, one bottle can often be in and around the price of a pint of the same beer.

Few people in their right mind will choose to buy less beer in order to drink in a health conscious fashion, if indeed they can get greater value for their money by purchasing the larger quantity.