New culture best way to curb alcohol abuse

THIS society’s struggle with alcohol abuse continues and it would be a very brave person indeed who might suggest that it will ever end. 

Government after government, cheered on by myriad agencies advocating responsible drinking, seem committed to doing “the right thing” — in the public square at least. Nevertheless, proposals aimed at curbing alcohol consumption are invariably diluted when the all-powerful drinks lobby makes its views known and points to the €1bn it pays in excise duties each year.

Sanity or even common sense occasionally intervene in this circular debate but not as often as they might.