Wednesday 30 September 2009

Muddled Thinking and the Anti Drink Lobby


We all know that the vast majority of drinkers drink responsibly don't we? Well more evidence to support this has come from that drink sodden place Scotland, whose Government seem to think has slipped beyond the pale, judging by their hysterical behaviour. Latest figures show that those consuming more than the Governments arbitrary figures fell by 4% for men and 3% for women. In addition, the number of offences of drunkenness recorded by police fell 10% and the number of drink-driving offences fell by 8%.

"These figures are very welcome, although they seem to fly in the face of some of the comments on alcohol and health being made by the Scottish Government," said Scottish Beer and Pub Association chief executive Patrick Browne.

Mr Browne goes on to say that the police should be using their existing powers to tackle anti social behaviour rather than seeking new ones. Isn't that what the PM was saying yesterday in his farewell speech to his party conference while at the same time giving “power to Local Authorities to ban 24-hour drinking?" He needs to wisen up; that power already exists in the current Licensing Act, put through parliament by his own government. Shouldn't he know that? If there are problem areas and pubs, shouldn't the authorities be tackling that using the powers they already have? If they aren't, why aren't they?

This muddled thinking infuriates, but I doubt if it'll make a jot of difference to the anti alcohol lobby.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

"If there are problem areas and pubs, shouldn't the authorities be tackling that using the powers they already have? If they aren't, why aren't they?"

I've said this, but it can't be said often enough as clearly they don't listen. What is the bloody point in making new laws if they can't apply the existing ones?

Neville Grundy said...

Probably because it's cheaper and gets more headlines to talk tough and pass Acts of Parliament than it is to employ enough people across the country to enforce existing laws.

JohnB said...

There's an assumption that councils in Scotland (or anywhere else) are capable of acting rationally.

Prior to the new licensing act in Scotland I couldn't buy supermarket booze before 12.30 on a Sunday.

With the new act designed to encourage responsible drinking I can buy it at 10, seven days a week. But why 10 not 8? No one seems to know.