Since time immemorial alcohol has played a prominent role in countless societies. Nearly 2.000 years ago Jesus supposedly turned water into wine. Over the years wine has often been used to seal contracts, treaties and many forms of agreements. In the Middle Ages monks’ allowance of beer was measured in gallons (1 Br gallon = 4.5 liters).
Charles Dickens (died in 1870) often wrote about the poverty of the under privileged people of London, who drank gin to counteract their hunger, when gin cost a mere two pence a bottle. (Today gin is as expensive as whisky).
During the first World War (1914 - 1918) pubs were ordered by law to be closed during the day, except for 2 hours at midday and were normally open in the evening from 6 pm – 10.30 pm. The reason being the risk of drunken munitions factory workers. Temperance societies also played a vital role in supporting this law. The law has only recently been cancelled. In recent times alcohol has become to be seen as a big threat to organised society, especially in Britain young people seem to have enough time and money to become hopelessly drunk on the streets. It’s become a fashion for young people of both sexes to go into town for the sole purpose of becoming drunk.
Pubs are being blamed for allowing their customers to buy too much alcohol. The pubs blame the supermarkets for selling beer too cheaply. Public health authorities blame anyone they can, and politicians argue over measures they might take to control alcohol abuse. The police complain that many of their resources are being overstretched in keeping the streets clear of drunks. Hospitals complain about the
high costs of medical treatment of alcoholism, which include injuries from drunk driving.
Many organisations concerned want much higher retail prices for alcohol. The counter argument says that high prices has not prevented misuse in some Scandinavian countries and that low prices in e.g. Spain don’t produce street drunkenness.
So where is the solution of the problem? What would your effective action be? We’ll drink a glass or two to the perfect answer!
Glossary:
Since time immemorial: For a very long time, no one knows when it started
Temperance societies: Societies which are against the consumption of alcohol
Englisch
Re Glossary: Temperance societies are not against the consumption of alcohol. That’s what the alcohol industry wants to be believed by the public. Temperance societies want to reduce the harm done by alcohol consumption. For that purpose alcohol consumption has to be reduced.
Re the solution of the problem: The WHO Assembly agreed in May to a resolution for a global alcohol strategy. This is so far the most complete way how to reduce the alcohol problem. It shows the burden of harm by alcohol consumption and it shows the most effective measures to change the situation. Now the governments should implement it. All have signed it. But many hide it because they are not honest and have not the courage to inform their people and fight against the alcohol industry, which will not accept measures which will reduce their sales.
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