Sir, - Thousands of words have been written in recent weeks about the deaths and injuries of young people as a result of drunken violence. The one word that keeps cropping up all the time is "drink". When was the last time you bought a shot of vodka for £1? Ten years ago? Twenty years ago? Never? That is, unless you are a teenager or in your twenties and then maybe it was during the summer in a nightclub. It is disgraceful that young people are being targeted like this by the drinks companies and licensed outlets. And why is it so easy to buy six-packs to be consumed in parks and public places that have been commandeered by drunken gangs, making them no-go areas for the rest of us?
I agree with Rolande J. Anderson of the Irish College of General Practitioners (September 12th). We are far too complacent in this country about drink. Existing laws should be enforced and marketing initiatives associating alcohol with young people and sport should not be supported. Until we as parents make our voices heard, and until people start suing the drinks companies for destroying their lives, then the violence, injuries and death will continue to plague us. - Yours, etc.,
Pauline Knight, Farmleigh Avenue, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.