Shot culture encourages irresponsible drinking

I am all in favour of the “Responsible Serving of Alcohol Programme” which on the surface seems like a very good idea, having been endorsed by among others the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

One area I have a problem with is the sale of “shots”.

Shots are not a drink you would spend 15 or 20 minutes drinking, they are thrown straight back and are often followed by a few more.

I think that the sale of shots is not only irresponsible but also encourages drunkeness.

If the vintners are serious about getting people back to the pubs and if this country is serious about teaching our youth to have a healthy respect for alcohol then the vintners need to have a long hard look at the sale of “shots”.

John Higgins

Shanaghy Heights

Ballina

Co Mayo