Don't forget health, social impact of alcoholism

MUCH of the outcry over the proposals to curb late-night public drinking stems from the perception that it is a personal lifestyle choice, and that the measures "punish the peaceful majority who just want to enjoy the simple pleasure of having a few drinks with friends after a hard day's work" ("Try out less drastic measures first" by Mr Christopher Darren Pereira; Wednesday).

Others think the proposals are an overreaction to alcohol-related rowdy behaviour caused by a minority of drinkers.

Amid all the rhetoric, the health risks and social impact of alcoholism seem to have been overlooked.

Yes, drinking is a personal choice, but it could potentially impose a huge cost on the nation through alcohol-related ailments and social problems caused by alcoholism.

To convince the public of the need for alcohol curbs, perhaps the Ministry of Health could disclose data on the health impact of alcoholism.

It could also disclose information on the safe limits for consumption of alcohol by men and women.

Also, little has been said about how the proposals, if implemented, can be enforced.

Hopefully, more details will be revealed at a later date.

This article was first published on Jan 23, 2015.
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