TOPIC:

Our problems, and half-assed solutions to them, date to well before the prohibition era in the US. From Father Mathew and his 1830s etheromaniacs[/url:2v9lom04] to the 1902 limit on pub licences which we're still living with.

We're getting a root-and-branch reform of the whole licensing system next year, with the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2009 promising[/url:2v9lom04]
[quote:2v9lom04]* to simplify and streamline the licensing laws
* to reduce alcohol-related harm, especially among young people
* to promote coherence between the planning and licensing codes, including a strengthening of the role of local authorities in licensing matters
* to improve compliance with licensing law by licensees, and its enforcement by the Gardaí[/quote:2v9lom04]

Something tells me we'll end up with more of the same, however.

Tenuous link to this topic, but:

Dr. in the media using common sense shocker![/url:3evcz62p]

The Drinkulator that's linked in the article is interesting too.

[quote:2a9gwoht]Sir Liam wants a minimum price of 50p for each unit of alcohol a drink contains - taking the price of an average six pack of lager to £6.00. [/quote:2a9gwoht]
from here[/url:2a9gwoht]. What do you think?

Regardless of price increases and Off-licence time closure today is prime example of 'in-built' binge drinking.
Everyone knows that by tradition that we are a nation of drinkers but somehow feel the need to prove their Irishness by hitting the bars at opening time and drinking until close.
This is not just a 'We're Irish have the craic' show for the tourist but more of an excuse to consume the amounts that people would normaly drink if the didn't have a job to do.
Is there a crack down on public drinking today or will the Gardai turn a blind eye because of the day that's in it?

"Joeby":3nie5bcp wrote: Is there a crack down on public drinking today or will the Gardai turn a //blind// drunken eye because of the day that's in it?[/quote:3nie5bcp]
Fixed that for you there.
But I agree. One way of dramatically reducing binge drinking would be to abolish paddywhackery day. It's the only day in the calendar I absolutely detest. I'm embarassed to be irish most of the day.

Agree. This is probably the day you are least likely to find me in a pub or driving later in the evening. Too many d--n amateurs.