Rant 333 28/11/12 Subject: Minimum alcohol pricing.

Rant number 333

It is a universal fact of the world it seems that the few will always ruin it for the many. I'm pretty sure its been the same for just about forever, and its no doubt not going to change any time soon.

This applies in many ways and many cases. Speed cameras exist because people don't pay attention to speed limits and don't drive sensibly, petrol prices are ever on the up and up because people have huge gas guzzlers that drive emissions up products are banned and procedures changed more often than you would ever know - because someone has fucked up.

You can drown your sorrows though can't you - at the end of a long day of despairing about these idiots? Well - not easily for much longer.

You see, the government are putting up the alcohol costs so that we can all sleep in our beds safer.

Or some such bollucks.

I understand that alcohol is a drug - and a dangerous one at that. It's addictive to some, it messes with your emissions and it can kill you and others. It's a horrible substance in some ways however, it's also something that can be very enjoyable when you enjoy it in moderation for the right reasons.

I enjoy a drink. I really do.

I like a beer after band or a dram of whisky after a hard days work. I like a bit of wine with a nice meal - or some port at Christmas. I even occasionally go out and get very drunk occasionally - but I know when to stop (generally before the vomiting and double vision is good) and I'm always in good company who I know will look out for me.

I understand that this isn't how people are though. Some drink because they need to or because they think its their only release. Some drink because they are cold and hungry on the streets or some people just want to get good and ratted and go fighting. Some people are just idiots.

As such - for them, we're going to have to have a minimum price put on alcohol in general.

I like to have a crate of beer in the house for instance - to have some with food once or twice a week. In the past - I've waited until a good offer (3-4-2 or similar) has turned up to fill up. In future - these options aren't going to exist. Then there are bottles of spirits - which are now going to run in at around £17-20 for a standard bottle. I tend not to drink budget spirits (I'm more into single malts) however, many people do who don't go out colchocking their neighbours.

I think its good in some ways that they are trying to control peoples alcohol intake.

The fact of the matter is though: people who are desperate will get the booze however much it costs. They'll beg, borrow or steal (most likely) to feed a habit. We should help people with problems - not throw generalised and naive strategies into place this way.

Its like trying to kill a shoal of fish by emptying the ocean. Those fish might die - but so will everything else.

Its ridiculous, irritating and just what I expect from the tories.

Rant over.