Britain might ban happy hour

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081122/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_drinking_deaths

LONDON ? Britain is considering a ban on "happy hour" discounts at bars and restaurants to curb drinking, a spokesman said Saturday, as health advocates warned that a rise in liver-related deaths among young people may signal a future epidemic.

Health officials will decide on whether to ban the happy hours ? designated times for discount drinks ? once an independent policy review is published in coming weeks, a health department spokesman said on customary condition of anonymity.

The proposal was one of several aimed at stemming a trend in binge drinking in recent years, particularly among teenagers and young adults. The government also plans to spend 10 million pounds ($15 million) on a new public awareness campaign, and wants to improve enforcement of laws against underage drinking.

A health advocacy group said some of those young people were now showing signs of liver-related damage usually seen in older people.

Given that it can take 15 to 20 years for liver disease to develop, the British Liver Trust warned that the figures suggested the problem would only get worse.

"We're seeing a steep increase of deaths in people in their 20s and 30s," Trust spokeswoman Imogen Shillito said. "This indicates a big problem for many years to come."

National statistics show a steady rise in the number of alcohol-related deaths that typically fell heavy drinkers in their 40s and 50s who have abused alcohol for decades. From 1991 to 2006, the number of such deaths more than doubled to 8,758.

Alcohol-related deaths among people aged 25 to 29 were 40 percent higher in 2006 than the year before, Shillito said, citing national statistics.

Shillito said low prices for alcohol had helped encourage drinking among British youths, noting "they can buy alcohol with their pocket money."

The government plans to base its new alcohol policies, including possible new programs to help people reduce consumption, on the upcoming review by the School of Health and Related Research at the University of Sheffield.

Officials say the report should clarify whether retail practices lead to excessive drinking. They are considering a ban on a number of practices, including drinking games and speed-drinking events popular at some British pubs.

Revolt, revolt!!

What bloody need is there for a happy hour anyway?

Typical Brit response.

You get cheaper drinks, the bar gets more costumers.

Typical rational re-response.

Originally posted by lord xyz
What bloody need is there for a happy hour anyway?

to get drunk...what other reason do you need?

So a few idiots cant handle their liquor and others have to suffer?

With all due respect, Britain's population is plagued by problem drinkers to the point that many people suffer.

It's very much a sensible thing to try to curb this.

-AC

When I said "costumers" I meant people that go into a bar and buy stuff, more commonly referred to as "customers" not people that make costumes. 😐

Originally posted by Bardock42
When I said "costumers" I meant people that go into a bar and buy stuff, more commonly referred to as "customers" not people that make costumes. 😐

But now where will I get the costumes for my bar?!?!

Britain has a definite alcohol problem.

The binge drinking and anti social behavior is a unique factor in europe, I think its to do with the upbringing and physique.

Any solutions?

Originally posted by Alpha Centauri
With all due respect, Britain's population is plagued by problem drinkers to the point that many people suffer.

It's very much a sensible thing to try to curb this.

-AC

Originally posted by Bardock42
When I said "costumers" I meant people that go into a bar and buy stuff, more commonly referred to as "customers" not people that make costumes. 😐

This reminds me of this sketch🙂 😆

YouTube video

Originally posted by Alpha Centauri
With all due respect, Britain's population is plagued by problem drinkers to the point that many people suffer.

It's very much a sensible thing to try to curb this.

-AC

ireland has similar problems, but our government doesn't seem to care enough to even try and bring in something like this...

they bring in stupid shit like closing all the bars at 11...

There is a huge problem in Britian with binge drinking but it is attitude to drinking needs to change and until that changes people will continue to go out and get trollied.

Drinks are ridiculously cheap in Prague, but apart from British hen and stag nights, many other Checz people don't have a natural urge to get wasted just because drinks are cheap.

Britian needs to change how it views drinking, and getting drunk. Banning things, like in many other cases, doesn't automatically mean imporvement.

What about stiffer punishments?

Originally posted by Rogue Jedi
What about stiffer punishments?

Public Intoxication, Driving while Intoxicated, etc;

Or how about making cars that'll pull you to the side of the road if it's oscillating, so drinking and driving won't be a problem.

If some people were to get a good kicking and robbed when obliterated then they´d think twice about doing it again.

Maybe the government should start a special task team do carry out such activities🙂