Binge drinking would be more effectively fought through education campaigns promoting moderate drinking than through stricter legislation, according to a panel, comprised mostly of academics, which met yesterday.
Panel member Mr Andrew Brown of the Advertising Information Group said binge drinking has been exacerbated by the young population, pub culture and increased wealth over the last decade. "It's a work hard, play hard kind of culture," he said.
Mr Malcolm MacLachlan of Trinity College chaired the panel, which he said was meant to bring together both sides of the anti-binge drinking debate - those who want stricter controls on alcohol consumption through legislation or taxes and those who want to promote moderation through education.
Most panellists agreed promoting the European habit of drinking over long periods of time and with meals would be the most effective solution.