Society and alcohol – mixed signals

Sir, – It is now evident that the dispersal of crowds to stagger times for taxi access seems to be about the only main advantage to the proposed extension of licensing hours, according to a Galway representative of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (News, October 8th). Other members feel the new laws would “go against them” as they would feel compelled to stay open later to deal with the competition that might do the same thing.

Medical personnel are concerned about pressure on health services, particularly on emergency departments as a result of acute and chronic presentations of alcohol harm.

The impact of extended hours will result in enormous harms to others, including street violence and wasted Garda resources, and most especially often terrifying sleep disturbance to children and families due to drunken behaviour. Who is served in these proposed new laws?

The Government is expected to protect its citizens from harm. These extensions will create havoc for so many. Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 is intended to reduce alcohol use by 20 per cent. These proposals go against Government policy. – Yours, etc,