Do the new booze rules give you the blues?
It’s proper to raise the legal drinking age, but it’s hoped that the government won’t go for draconian controls on alcohol consumption.
We must congratulate the Health Minister for gazetting the new regulations on the consumption of alcoholic beverages well before they come into effect, which will be on December 1 next year.
In fact, the signing of the gazette nearly two weeks ago, though it may be news to some, was not even the first announcement of the new regulations. In December last year, the government informed the World Trade Organisation that it was considering such a plan and invited comments from other member countries.
We can assume that one of the reasons for the advance notice is to avoid controversy by using time as a cushion against the shock. Imagine what might happen if the announcement had come, say, a month before implementation.
There would be an outcry from some quarters and a pointless debate would ensue, with insults and slurs coming from every direction. At the very least, we’ll see a rise in absenteeism as drinkers fill the pubs to drown their sorrows over the new controls.
Briefly, under the Food (Amendment) Regulations 2016, the legal drinking age will be raised from 18 to 21 and alcohol products must carry labels that warn of health hazards.
From a moral standpoint, the new age limit is reasonable and practical because alcohol is a behaviour altering drug and should be recognised as such. Underage drinking can prove to be a huge social problem.
The inexperience and lack of self-control evident among teenage drinkers can result in fistfights, road accidents and noisy noctural disturbances, not to mention the spattering of our sidewalks with filthy vomit.
There’s no denying that drinking can be addictive and that its effects, like those of other mind altering drugs, can be devastating. It’s especially dangerous if indulged in by people with violent tendencies. What you’ll have is a combustible combination that can bring families to their knees.
At the same time, we cannot deny that there are millions upon millions of drinkers who don’t trouble others as they gather at watering holes to unwind after a hard day’s work or, as is the case with the majority of pub goers, after a week at the grind. To many, it is always a relief from the frustrations of the rat race to lift that first Friday night beer.
Furthermore, alcohol, particularly wine, has been scientifically proven to have some health benefits. It may reduce the risk of getting a stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Of course, the caveat here is that the benefits are derived from moderate consumption.
While the debate on the pros and cons of alcohol consumption will probably never end, we can agree that excess in anything is always a bad idea.
The raising of the legal age for drinking is morally and socially desirable, even if it is doubtful that it will ultimately decrease the number of drinkers.
Nevertheless, there are probably fears that the new regulations are just a forerunner to even stricter controls. It is hoped that the government won’t go too far, such as making the cost of alcohol consumption prohibitive.
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In the hard times we’re going through, people should be allowed to find solace in this little vice. A wise ruler would not deny them their outlet for release.