Alcohol displays are a torment to alcoholics

I was interested to see that Supervalu in Clonakilty had bowed to shoppers suggestions to have an autism friendly hour. What a great initiative.

However as a non-drinker of alcohol I have suggested repeatedly to the staff and management of Supervalu in Clonakilty and other Musgrave-owned outlets, to remove the prominent display of spirits they have installed at some checkouts.

Being sober for many years I can just about tolerate the display but I find it impossible to ignore.

Of course that’s the point. The sole purpose of such a prominent display of a mind altering substance is to sell the merchandise.

In individuals who want to stop drinking it’s a big unavoidable message to consume.

To newly sober alcoholics It can act as a ‘trigger’ to relapse into drinking again.

I know from talking to recently sober alcoholics that shops like Supervalu and Centra are places where the prominent display of alcohol bring on intense feelings of anxiety and stress helping to reignite the alcoholics obsession with alcohol and sadly the compulsion to drink.

Sadly I don’t expect anything to change. It is Ireland after all.

Peter Fitz Gerald

Abbey Street

Timoleague

Co Cork