Crackdown on binge drinking

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.guardian.c...n-binge-drinking-code

The Government will introduce a series of measures to crack down on 'Binge Drinking', these will include:

• A ban on "irresponsible" promotions such as "all you can drink for £10", women- drink-free deals, speed drinking competitions and "dentist's chairs".

• Ensuring free tap water is available.

• Ensuring all those who sell alcohol check the ID of anyone who looks under 18.

• Ensuring establishments make available a choice between a single and double measure of spirits and a small and large glass of wine.

/// These measures will come into effect in two stages, in two stages this year. The first will come into effect on 6 April and will cover the ban on promotions and drinking games and the provision of free tap water. The second, covering smaller measures and age checks, will come into effect on 1 October.///

Why can't they be introduced at the same time?

Wouldn't it have also been wise to increase the age for drinking to 21years, and re-introduce restricted drinking hours?

[ummmm]

Restricted drinking hours. I was brought up in a pub. There is no restricted drinking hours....never has been. They just shut the curtains and lock the door.

[Gromit]

//Wouldn't it have also been wise to increase the age for drinking to 21years, and re-introduce restricted drinking hours?//

I'm guessing you are over 21 and do not stay out late?

[LoftyLottie]

All good measures except the free tap water one. If people want a soft drink they can buy one and most pubs are happy to supply a glass of water. I agree they should all start at the same time.

As for your two suggestions AOG, I don't think they will make any difference. I certainly don't believe you can increase the drinking age to 21 when adulthood is at 18.

[jake-the-peg]

I'm afraid AOG you would need to raise the voting age to 21 at the same time!

[jake-the-peg]

Hey AOG - what am I thinking?

Raise the drinking age to 21?

Whatabout all the 20 year old "Heros" in Afghanistan - are you suggesting that we can't but them a drink on their return?

Your bill will need an "except Heros" clause!

[Teleph0ne]

Ummmm, restricted drinking hours were bought in to prevent factory workers getting drunk and not returning to work in 1915, they were replaced by the more relaxed licensing act in 2003. Its supprising that whoever bought you up in a pub managed to retain their license if that was the case!

[anotheoldgit]

Isn't the legal age in most US states 21?

[ummmm]

Telep0ne....are you seriously telling me that you've never heard of a 'lock in'

[jake-the-peg]

Yes and firearms are legal there.

An attempt to raise the drinking age to 21 here would be met with the same enthusiasm as gun legislation there.

And what about the "Heros"?

Banning them from pubs after risking their lives! how disrepectful!

After all if a 20 year old can handle a gun surely he can handle a pint!

Young squaddies and alcohol what could go wrong?

[Seadragon]

Most people drink before hitting the clubs because supermarkets sell alcohol cheaper. This measure is not going to make much difference if the supermarket deals are not controlled either.

[Teleph0ne]

Of course I have heard of a lock in, but that doesn't mean that there wern't restrictions on hours, its just that some pubs ignored these restrictions. Some got away with it but most didn't. Depends on the location and the police attitude to the pub, some pubs where there was no trouble and no complaints were lucky ad the police turned a blind eye. your comment is like sayng there are no restrictions on speeding, everyone speeds from time to time but it doesn't mean that it's legal!

[Booldawg]

Whats a 'dentists chair' ?

[moonfruit]

Booldawg here...

The Dentist's Chair
The aim of this game is simple: do not drown!
Materials Needed
1 straight backed chair
1 bottle of spirit (Jack Daniels, Malibu, vodka, Aftershock or Everclear are all wonderful choices)
1 big burley mate
a random assortment of "friends" capable of shouting "CHUG CHUG CHUG"
Stage 1
someone is selected to be the victim they sit in the chair
Stage 2
the Nurse (ie the big burly guy, probably named Tank) restrains the Victim making sure the victim can't move their arms or back, this is usually accomplished by a bear hug from behind
Stage 3
The Dentist pours a steady stream of the chosen spirit down the victim's throat, the game continues until the victim drowns or breaks the nurse's hold.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBDwUG3gPVc&feature=related

dentists chair

[ummmm]

OK...there was no trouble from our pub so the police turned a blind eye.

[anotheoldgit]

/// Whats a 'dentists chair' ? ///

Didn't the Gestapo play a similar game? But they didn't waste alcohol they used water.

[Booldawg]

LOL, thanks for clearing that up moon. Guess I've lived a sheltered life, would sooner stick to playing monopoly...

[Haggisdj]

A lot of licenced places near where I live are now 21, including supermarket's...

[rov1200]

Typical of this government they think money grows on trees.

Issue free water: don't they realise

A member of staff has to waste time filling up the glass
Glass breakages
Water rates or a meter
A washer upper to clean the glass
Seating, heating and table clearers.

It is not free for the publican.