To think the government should do more about alcohol?

[GiraffeTastic]

Smoking cigarettes has been targeted by successive governments to improve public health, now you can't even see packs on display in shops, massive warnings on packets etc.

However, alcohol, which is another drug linked to cancer, heart disease etc is freely viewable in supermarkets, comes in pretty bottles and the manufacturers advertise it and seem to have made wine a regular product for many people. I know that cigarettes carry passive smoking risks, but what about all the lives destroyed by alcohol problems?

Aibu to think both should be treated in a similar way by the government? I'm not suggesting banning them, but if cigarettes are in plain packets shouldn't wine and spirits be also?

[Buckinbronco]

No one has even been given the chance to vote to change the drink driving limit- I don't think for a second the government would allow the general public to make a decision like that

[Andrewofgg]

What's the point in a government that won't govern and leaves everything to endless referenda?

I would like to establish how much alcohol you can have in your body without drinking by e.g. natural fermentation and fix the limit a bit higher than that.

[treaclesoda]

I didn't mean that the public would be voting directly I meant that am MP would be looking at the population of his constituency and thinking 'am I representing their interests by voting to lower the drink drive limit? Would they vote for me at the next election if I do? '

[treaclesoda]

Or her constituency, of course

[Marynary]

It was reduced in Scotland a couple of years ago. I think that they are probably waiting to see if it reduces accidents. Societys attitudes to drink driving has changed a lot over the years so I doubt there will be much resistance.

[Skiptonlass]

buckin that's a very interesting point. I'd like to think they base it on 'how much you can drink without reaction times being affected' but I have a strong feeling that it's as a pp above says and it's been capped at 'roughly a couple of drinks' because that 'sounds reasonable' and less might spark a revolt.
I've dealt with government departments and science/medicine in the past and there are very, very few politicians who understand basic science, medicine or statistics. Plus add in the political side and you rarely get the result that's scientifically recommended. The actual units per week recommendations were pretty much pulled out of thin air - they vary hugely around the world.

The inability of politicians to understand (and unwillingness to implement even if they do unless politically expedient) is something I learned the hard way.

I don't think alcohol should be banned. I do think it should be regulated a bit more and I definitely think there needs to be much better help for those who need it. Sitting in a beer garden with a nice glass of something is a real pleasure and most of us can imbibe without issue.

Humans have always sought out mind altering drugs. Caffeine, coca, alcohol, hallucinogens... I think it's something that runs very deep within us.