How will more outlets make us drink less?
Has the minister any knowledge of today’s urban jungle and has he any contact with his Government colleagues in the Departments of Health and Children, and Education?
The minister seems to think that the more available alcohol is, the less it will be abused.
I wonder if the Garda Commissioner, our over-stretched hospital A&E departments, suicide awareness groups, marriage councillors and people in education would agree with him?
What are Mr McDowell’s priorities in relation to our binge drinking culture and the tax revenues it generates?
In 2003, Owen Keenan of Barnardos submitted a proposal to the Government, backed by the then Health Minister Micheál Martin, to place a blanket ban on alcohol advertising. That was never considered, and one wonders if the €40m a year that the likes of Diageo spend on advertising is one reason.
Also in 2003, an over-zealous minister introduced legislation to fine any drunk entering or leaving a licence premises €300. This wasn’t worth the paper it was printed on as there was no system for acquiring samples to proceed with a prosecution. In addition there was a civil liberties problem.
Britain intends to introduce 24-hour alcohol licensing from November. With an uncanny parallel to our proposals, Britain’s culture secretary justified the move by saying: “It is not 24-hour drinking, but flexible licensing.”
The Association of Chief Police Officers of Britain has serious reservations about the proposals.
Licensing other outlets will have detrimental effects on health, security, relationships and road safety.
Banning alcohol advertising and reducing pub and off-licence hours would restrict the availability of drink. This, in turn, could encourage some of our young people to seek less self-destructive forms of entertainment.
Kevin Jordan
Village View
Clashmore
Co Waterford
