The British Medical Association issued a report yesterday that showed the UK to be in the grip of an "alcohol epidemic". So, what will make us better? Legislation or a lifestyle change?
The Telegraph puts it thus: modern Britain is like an alcoholic who after years of ruining family gatherings, has finally admitted that he has a problem.
"A change in behaviour, not pricing, is the key to a long overdue transformation in our public culture".
It calls for existing drink laws to be made stronger, for a rise from 18 to 21 of the age limit to buy alcohol and for local magistrates to get back the right to punish irresponsible purveyors and consumers of alcohol.
The Independent's editorial differs slightly, coming down slightly harder on the person who buys the drink than the one who sells the drink.
If we want to stop consuming alcohol in such a reckless manner, it says, the solution will have to be a cultural shift. This may not satisfy those who want 'tough' action from the government but it thinks public education is the most realistic way to tackle the problem.
It goes on:
"The hysterical view we have of teenagers is contributing to the problem. We give young people pathetically few places to socialise, we chase them from public places with dispersal orders and then wonder why they congregate ion street corners or in parks to drink alcohol."
What do you think?
