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19/10/2005
Academic 'petrified' over 24-hour drinking laws
The introduction of 24-hour drinking into Northern Ireland would be a 'recipe for disaster', a leading University of Ulster expert on addiction has said.
Victor Robinson, a lecturer in the University’s School of Nursing, was commenting on plans by the Government to open a consultation process on extending licensing hours for bars in Northern Ireland.
While 24-hour drinking in pubs will not be part of the review process, Mr Robinson said he was still "petrified" at the potential consequences for Northern Ireland if 24-hour drinking was introduced here.
“Our psyche is not equipped to handle the 24-hour availability of alcohol. We are not a Mediterranean people, and have not been socialised into the respect for alcohol those cultures have," he said.
“In my judgment, 24-hour availability of alcohol in Northern Ireland will mean the introduction of 24-hour bingeing, not a new age of temperance and moderation.”
The Government review will see a wide range of issues put out for public consultation, including flexible opening hours.
Enforcement and health promotion are also expected to be part of the review process.
(MB/SP)
Victor Robinson, a lecturer in the University’s School of Nursing, was commenting on plans by the Government to open a consultation process on extending licensing hours for bars in Northern Ireland.
While 24-hour drinking in pubs will not be part of the review process, Mr Robinson said he was still "petrified" at the potential consequences for Northern Ireland if 24-hour drinking was introduced here.
“Our psyche is not equipped to handle the 24-hour availability of alcohol. We are not a Mediterranean people, and have not been socialised into the respect for alcohol those cultures have," he said.
“In my judgment, 24-hour availability of alcohol in Northern Ireland will mean the introduction of 24-hour bingeing, not a new age of temperance and moderation.”
The Government review will see a wide range of issues put out for public consultation, including flexible opening hours.
Enforcement and health promotion are also expected to be part of the review process.
(MB/SP)
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