HAPPY HOURS ARE HERE TO STAY

THE SCOURGE of alcoholism has been a problem which has blighted Scotland for generations.  More often than not, crowds of drunks litter the streets in our towns and cities every Friday and Saturday night. 

     A host of cultural reasons can help explain our predilection for a dram, as generations of our citizens have been conditioned to believe alcohol is the only stimulant which enables us to socialise effectively.  The Highlands especially personify this attitude.  Dating back to the times of the Stuart Monarchy, the clan culture viewed anybody who refused a drink with suspicion.  During the growth of industrialisation in the central belt during the Victorian Era, the impoverished, squalid conditions in which the masses lived acted as a breeding ground for the consumption of 'fire water'.  Even today, many Scots still court an unhealthy relationship with the demon drink.  The young and old alike revert to it as a form of escapism.  And in some cases, the consequences can be very damaging.

Cheap cocktails are still available despite the implementation of the recent Licensing Act

However, the manner in which The Scottish Government has attempted to deal with the problem has been ineffective to say the least.  Although our Government has recognised that the damaging impact of alcohol is draining our already slender NHS resources, the exclusion of alcoholic drinks promotions to resolve the issue has further exacerbated it.

     Why?  The legislation was introduced through political expedience without being given any real consideration.  For loopholes exist which allow publicans to effectively circumvent the law.  Government legislation stated that licensed establishments were now excluded from holding alcohol promotions.  However, a promotion was classed as a price reduction within a 72 hour period.  Canny publicans were quick to realise that if they could prove a certain priced drink - an example being a £0.69 vodka and coke - was not sold as a promotion, they were then entitled to sell this to their customers.

     Therefore a bizarre situation has arisen.  Before this Act was introduced, most pubs and clubs only offered promotions one night per week - an example of which was a 'Wednesday student night'.  Now, however, if they wish to sell £0.69 vodka and cokes on a Wednesday evening, they can only do so by offering these prices over a consecutive three day period which exceeds 72 hours.

     Far from discouraging drinking, people are potentially being persuaded to drink more!

     If Scots unhealthy relationship with alcohol is ever to be solved the Government must consider innovative ways to change our cultural approach towards booze.  In essence, this can only be implemented through a more pragmatic approach.  Education appears to be the only institution that can have any real impact if we are ever going to eradicate alcoholism as a disease.

     However, such a measure, if implemented, would cost a great deal of money and time.  In the long-term the money would be well spent, as an attitude change in this area would improve the overall wellbeing and industrious attitude of Scottish citizens.  Whether the Government will come to accept this is a moot point.  The reactionary measure instituted in the form of the ill-conceived Licensing Act seems to satisfy the views of certain voters who believe Scotland's alcohol problems are being tackled.  In reality, this is simply not the case.