Alcohol - what's new ?

[Doc Alan]

Any interesting differences between Scotland and the rest of the UK on this one Doc? My understanding is that the problem is bigger, north of the border.

You are correct, and Arthur's drinking habits are unusual ( that is, low ).
Scots drink - on average - a quarter more alcohol per head than the English and Welsh. Alcohol - related deaths are twice those south of the border, and alcohol figures in about half of homicides ( fact, not Taggart ).
There has been a raft of measures to control the problem. For over 2 years licensing has been tightened, promotions reduced in pubs and clubs, displays in shops restricted, with more counselling / treatment.
Last autumn in Glasgow there began a crackdown on under age drinking, and a " booze bus " ( just one ) has been helping drunks this winter. There is to be a pilot scheme for offenders who get the chance to avoid custodial sentences by wearing an " anklet " alcohol monitor.
The SNP, supported by medics and police, may succeed in making minimum pricing law by April . But not everyone agrees ( moderate drinkers, whisky producers, and Labour opposition ) and there could be problems with European competition law.
It's too early to be sure, but alcohol - related deaths may be starting to fall, with fewer Scots drinking over the limit .

[Arthur Little]

Arthur's drinking habits are unusual

... suppose you're right ... ... alcohol consumption is, on the whole, one "pleasure" I'm quite happy to do without.

[lastlid]

Scots drink - on average - a quarter more alcohol per head than the English and Welsh. Alcohol - related deaths are twice those south of the border, and alcohol figures in about half of homicides

Any idea why that is Doc, I wondered if it was to do with keeping warm in harsher winters with a wee dram or two by the fire etc etc? But having spent some time in Scotland I am not so sure that might be the only reason......

[Doc Alan]

Any idea why that is Doc, I wondered if it was to do with keeping warm in harsher winters with a wee dram or two by the fire etc etc? But having spent some time in Scotland I am not so sure that might be the only reason......

Perhaps I should explain - I was born in Glasgow, then studied and worked there for about 16 years . Scottish A + E units on Saturday nights ( and Sunday - Friday ) would convince anyone that there is a particular problem with alcohol north of the border .
Many see Scotland's vice of alcohol excess rooted in the soil of 19th century industrialisation, poverty, and bad housing in Glasgow.
In my opinion, it's also due to the depressing weather - there are two seasons in Scotland, winter and July !

[lastlid]

........... there are two seasons in Scotland, winter and July !

Yep. I would agree with that.

[Arthur Little]

Yep. I would agree with that.

Likewise, ... from bitter > < experience.

[Arthur Little]

Likewise, ... from bitter > < experience.

Whilst primarily, *it was used in response to comments about the Scottish weather, the *above post could equally be applied to the main topic being discussed ... namely, 'Alcohol - what's new?'

Accordingly, therefore, emphasis is placed on the word "bitter". Bitter - commonly referred to as "best bitter" (when used to describe certain brands of ale) - immediately conjures up the notion of its being a sharp, acrid and, by definition, unpleasant substance. Yet, conversely, its universal appeal remains largely undiminished.