As the national election draws near it’s time to consider what solutions the political parties are offering to Australia’s alcohol problem. It’s worth remembering the cost to Australia from alcohol problems amounts to $16 billion per annum.
via Why isn’t alcohol on the national agenda? | Grog WatchGrog Watch.
Because it’s not cool to take a stand against drinking. The alcohol industry, through extensive advertising aimed at young people, have done a fantastic job of promoting the attitude that drinking is cool – and drinking a lot is cool. Gvernments are wary of tackling the ever-increasing problem of excessive alcohol consumption because:
it earns them taxes;
it would be unpopular and would lose them votes;
they don’t want restrictions on their own drinking