Irish Examiner view: Pubs reopening are a reason to celebrate but it’s time to look at alcohol’s downside too

The State has failed to provide adequate services for the vulnerable, including those struggling with alcohol addiction.

While society welcomes the news of the reopening of the hospitality sector and pubs it is balanced by reports that many of us are drinking more since lockdown.

It is uplifting to see the celebratory images of people getting back to some version of normal life all around the country. The sense of relief and joy is palpable as people return to, among other things, outdoor pubs and raise a glass to the easing of restrictions that have had such a devastating effect on vintners.

Photographer Dan Linehan’s front-page photograph in this paper on Tuesday captured the essence of that elation with a wonderful shot of sheep farmer and artist Joe Kelly holding a pint in one hand and a lamb in the other outside Ireland’s highest bar, the Top of Coom in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry.