Letters to the Editor: Alcohol industry must own up to harm

One reader tells of his own family's experience of the harm done by alcohol, while others consider topics including garda rosters, tax equity, and fair pay for doctors and nurses 

John Higgins writes: 'Any decisions made in relation to alcohol by our public representatives should not be swayed just by the positive image portrayed by the industry.' Picture: iStock

With Budget 2024 due to be announced shortly, the alcohol industry will no doubt have indulged in its usual frenzy of lobbying, calling for reduced taxes and singing the praises of the industry and all that it brings to communities and the employment it provides.

Any decisions made in relation to alcohol by our public representatives should not be swayed just by the positive image portrayed by the industry. The harm associated with alcohol cannot be ignored. It’s not enough for our legislators to just nod their heads in acknowledgement and throw the odd bun to the elephant in the room. Laws have to be enacted and policed and loopholes have to be addressed as in the case of zero-alcohol advertising.