Accept the problem and change drink culture

Alcohol abuse in our society is again becoming a topic for much discussion, mainly around the problem of cheap availability of alcohol and under-age drinking.

There are many causes which lead to the ongoing misuse of alcohol in Ireland today, and for a very long period of our history all have been listed ad infinitum — the rounds system, below-cost selling in supermarkets, love of binge drinking, restrictive pub hours, etc, all of these have been examined and argued for and against for a very long time to no avail.

We, as a people, will never change our drink culture until we change our views and tacit acceptance of the problem.

I was surprised by the judge’s comment in your paper’s report on Mrs Kathleen Sheehan’s victim impact statement at the completion of the trial of the convicted driver of the car in which her son lost his life, due to an accident.

The judge advised all young drivers to read the impact statement. I believe he should have advised, not just drivers, but all young people, to read the statement.

In concentrating on drivers and their responsibilities, we often overlook the responsibility of those who knowingly take lifts from drivers who have been drinking. This has got to be highlighted so as to inform young adults of the consequences of travelling in cars whose drivers are under the influence of alcohol.

Michael Roche

The Downs

Douglas

Cork