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More responsible approach to alcohol is sorely needed
I WELCOME recent press attention about alcohol consumption and related issues.
Alcohol is a massive part of Scottish culture, generating millions through export. The tax raised adds billions to the government’s coffers.
Alcohol will not disappear, and it is, therefore, our attitude to alcohol that must change, with everyone, including schools, police, parents, retailers and licensing board members playing their part. A responsible, practical approach to the sale and consumption of alcohol needs to be achieved.
The police will require to carry out more test-purchasing exercises to identify the shops that sell to under-age children.
The police use such exercises to register the degree of commitment from licence holders — did the shop assistant ask for ID and, if so, what type? What questions were asked? Does the shop have a ‘refusal book’?
Closing time is when most incidents take place and this is when police patrolling pubs and taxi ranks could help. Being seen could help get people off the streets quicker.
Parents should know where their children are at night. If, when they come home, it is obvious they have been drinking, then parents should take steps to find out where their children acquired the alcohol.
Parents could also set an example by reducing their own alcohol intake: cut back the actual nights they drink; drink without getting drunk.
To a degree, people and young people are a product of what they see and where they come from. This means a rational approach to alcohol in the home is a priority.
Retailers should consider: raising the age for the purchase of alcohol to 21 years; make sure staff are adequately trained; introducing refusal books; stopping irresponsible promotions and working closely with police to reduce under-age drinking.
Yes, social drinking is fine, but drinking until you reach the state that you cannot remember what you have done is socially unacceptable.
It will take all stakeholders working together to get the message across: drink responsibly!
Councillor Bert Thomson, Blantyre.
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