More stupidity

I see this week that there have been two major items of news with regards to alcohol.

1. A report backs the idea of minimum pricing per unit.

2. Gordon Brown is to give local authorities the power to prevent 24 hour licences.

Firstly the idea of minimum pricing is to prevent alcoholics and those with serious alcohol issues from obtaining strong drink. Put simply people in this situation will find the alcohol and the money for it regardless of the cost. It will however increase levels of petty crime and or indebtedness within that particular group of individuals.

Secondly local authorities are often dominated by councillors who have a NIMBY attitude and have no understanding of the nature of this subject. There is little or no education within the authority and even less n the community. Simply using archaic powers will only drive the problems underground.