http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8294554.stm

I don't drink, but that's just silly

Oh for gods sake! I don't drink much any more but have known to be totally trollied in town centres before.

Instead of penalising the shops and bars why don't they try educating people on how to drink responsibly? Loads of other countries manage OK. Seems people from our fair land don't have the 'stop' button installed and drink until they pass out. Doesn't matter if booze is £1 a pint or £10 a pint, if people want to get drunk they will.

Like ernie it will not affect me but this is plain stupid.

I don't drink anymore either.

But this won't stop anything - people will simply (as they've been doing) tank up before they leave the house.

I always said you were a classy lady ,


Been trying that for about the last 5 years. You can see the URLs and slogans in any booze ad. Doesn't seem to be working, sadly.


It seems to be a bit of a northern european thing TBH - I believe the Scandanavians have/had similar problems but their alcohol is incredibly more expensive than ours which limits it a bit. Britain is probably unique in that it's a collision between the 'heavy drinking culture' and cheap alcohol. Bit of a perfect storm.

Jon

Consumer education is what is needed...

We have long drinking times and cheap booze, but we don't seem to have half of the problems that the UK has - although the younger generation seem to be taking the UK situation as a role model Komasaufen is getting "popular" (drinking yourself into a coma).

Sweden in the 1850's had a serious problem as a result of alcohol. Many men went to work away from home and were paid in alcohol. We already had the Truck Act to ensure workers were paid in cash. As a result many families starved as a result and the Swedes took a strong line against alcohol. So you can still get alcohol but at a price. It has improved you used to have to hand over some ID to get it and you could only get it from one Systembolaget.