Tackling alcohol misuse
Friday, 20 Jun 2008 11:03
Goverments want to see fewer people drinking too much alcohol
Is banning under 21s from buying alcohol in shops and ending three-for-two promotions the way to tackle the UK's growing problem of alcohol misuse?
Such measures have been proposed by the Scottish government as a solution to encourage sensible drinking habits and to reduce the number of children drinking alcohol.
Earlier this month a report from the World Health Organisation revealed that teenage Brits are among the young people most likely to drink alcohol and get drunk in Europe.
In England alcohol-related hospital admissions have soared over the last decade and the Home Office has been compelled to launch a campaign to cut down on the number of 18- to 24-year-olds binge drinking.
Will governments be successful in bringing a more responsible, continental-style of drinking to the UK or are measures being proposed just unfair schemes that will penalise certain groups?
Scotland's proposed ban on under 21s being able to stock up on alcohol in supermarkets and off licences seems set to bring an end to the typical student house party with free flowing booze – and is also concerning retailers worried about the bottom line.
Whatever strategies become law, the only people likely to be immediately happy with an alcohol clampdown are the health workers and police officers who deal with alcohol-related harms and crimes on a daily basis.
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comments on the issue.