Letter: Alcohol crisis

The proposal to set a minimum price for alcohol demonstrates yet again the inability or unwillingness of politicians to get to the root of a problem while giving the appearance of doing so (Comment, 6 September).

There is a problem of excessive traffic in a city so they introduce a congestion charge; there is a major health problem caused by smoking so they increase a tax on cigarettes; and there is pollution caused by cars so they increase fuel duty. Alcohol pricing is the latest in a list of measures the effectiveness of which is open to doubt.

The problem of alcohol abuse will not be solved without a change in the attitude of society towards drinking. In former times getting drunk or being unable to hold drink was seen as a weakness which, in the case of a man who was the breadwinner, could have serious consequences for his family. In the case of a woman, getting drunk displayed a lack of decorum or lack of self-respect.

Nowadays young people boast openly that they are going out to get drunk although they may use the euphemism of having a good night out. TV soaps contain many scenes based in public houses and it is only natural for the public to assume that is how life should be lived.

In days gone by being drunk and incapable was a criminal offence under the Burgh Police (Scotland) Acts and I witnessed many such cases when I attended the Police Courts in Glasgow.

I do not feel that alcohol pricing will provide an answer to the serious social problem we are witnessing. As a nation we need a wake up call.

Graham Speirs

Dirleton Avenue

North Berwick, East Lothian