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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Off licences are allowed to remain open during stricter lockdown

161 replies

reliefistheword · 29/03/2020 12:54

Off licences are allowed to remain open during stricter lockdown because responsible drinkers were entitled to have a drink

This has been deemed essential.

Ridiculous.

OP posts:
DazedandConcerned · 29/03/2020 12:56

I was really impressed that my local off license shut down when lockdown was introduced. I'll be sure to give them more business in the future. The businesses showing social responsibility deserve my support when they reopen.

whiplashy · 29/03/2020 12:56

you are being ridiculous to not see what a strain closing them would put on a&e. alcoholics going through withdrawal can die from it. do you really want more people travelling further to buy booze in a supermarket instead of their local off license?

BubblyBarbara · 29/03/2020 12:57

Some people need alcohol to maintain their mental health as well

Shamoo · 29/03/2020 12:58

Better to sober the alcoholics up than fuel the wife beaters

BitchHazel · 29/03/2020 12:58

Off licenses sell groceries too. If they were to close it would mean many people travelling further or going without.

KenDodd · 29/03/2020 12:59

I heard that one part of France (?) has banned the sale of alcohol altogether during this crisis. This was because of an increase in domestic violence, linked to both alcohol consumption and confinement. I'll try to find the article.

Srslydontgiveacrap · 29/03/2020 13:01

It is essential. Wink

Get over yourself @reliefistheword

WorraLiberty · 29/03/2020 13:04

Better to sober the alcoholics up than fuel the wife beaters

Yes because they'd never think to beat their wives when they're climbing the walls for alcohol...

Roweeeeena · 29/03/2020 13:06

Silly to ask this on MN, OP. The right to alcohol is basically as important as the NHS here.

Original poster
reliefistheword · 29/03/2020 13:07

@Srslydontgiveacrap yes the women whose partners beat them after having a drink can get over it too.

Women in abusive relationships are already having a difficult time under lockdown and with even freer access to alcohol, what do you think will happen to them?

OP posts:
adaline · 29/03/2020 13:07

The last thing we need is people being forced to go through alcohol withdrawal while stuck indoors 24/7.

People who are alcohol dependent could die if they go cold-turkey overnight without medication or support from a GP.

BuzzingButterfly · 29/03/2020 13:08

@Srslydontgiveacrap only for alcoholics.

Original poster
reliefistheword · 29/03/2020 13:08

@Roweeeeena seems to be the case. It’s wrong to take kids on a second walk but fine to stock up on alcohol apparently.

OP posts:
FormerlyFrikadela01 · 29/03/2020 13:08

Every single off license around here also sells normal groceries. I'd rather walk over the road to buy milk than drive to tesco.

Besides, I can count on one hand how many times I drink a year, and I'm looking forward to enjoying a glass of wine tonight with my dinner. The only way lockdown is tolerable is if we have small pleasures and for some people that's a drink.

WorraLiberty · 29/03/2020 13:10

Women in abusive relationships are already having a difficult time under lockdown and with even freer access to alcohol, what do you think will happen to them?

What do you think will happen to them when their partners are suffering alcohol withdrawal anger?

Madein1995 · 29/03/2020 13:11

Many off licences sell more than simply booze. The local shop by my parents is an off licence - it also sells bread and milk. And it only let's 2 in anyway because of thefts. Is it not better for my vulnerable dad to go there than to trek to tesco 4 miles away?

Wishiwascrafty · 29/03/2020 13:13

The ED is going to be busy enough without needing to accommodate people withdrawing and seizing because they can’t get a drink. People who beat their wives will do it whether or not they have access to alcohol. Not all alcoholics are criminals Hmm

Original poster
reliefistheword · 29/03/2020 13:14

@WorraLiberty so they should keep drinking to stop them being abusive? Look at the domestic violence that goes up when a team loses an important game. Drinking goes up and women and children are the victims of violence.

Giving free access to alcohol won’t stop them being abusive.

OP posts:
tootiredtoconga · 29/03/2020 13:14

Women in abusive relationships are already having a difficult time under lockdown and with even freer access to alcohol, what do you think will happen to them?

What do you think will happen to them when their partners are raging because they want a drink and can't get one? Who do you think they'll take it out on? Men who hit their partners will continue to find reasons to hit their partners whether they have access to alcohol or not.

NewYearNewJob123 · 29/03/2020 13:15

You're being very naive if you think its because people are 'entitled to have a drink'. The alcohol industry is huge and worth billions of pounds to the UK economy per year and employs 100s of thousands of people. It's already suffering due to pub/club/restaurant closures.

If we close down everything based on what certain members think is 'essential' or not, we'll be in a far worse economic position than is already going to happen, which is dire.

tootiredtoconga · 29/03/2020 13:15

Giving free access to alcohol won’t stop them being abusive.

Taking it away won't stop them either.

But it will increase pressure on hospital beds when alcoholics all over the country are admitted due to complications of alcohol withdrawal.

Frankiecandle · 29/03/2020 13:16

My local offie sells basic groceries.

adaline · 29/03/2020 13:16

You've ignored people's points about those who are alcohol dependent, OP.

Would you rather people died? Because a death from alcohol withdrawal is not going to be pleasant for anyone.

Original poster
reliefistheword · 29/03/2020 13:17

Just looked up some stats and alcohol plays a role in 55% of domestic abuse.

Women’s lives due to get even harder.

OP posts: