Public attitudes towards alcohol consumption drive policy.
The worst basis for policy is to see alcohol consumption as a moral issue. This ties us in knots and is almost always counterproductive.
1/n
The worst basis for policy is to see alcohol consumption as a moral issue. This ties us in knots and is almost always counterproductive.
1/n
Overconsumption of alcohol & alcohol addiction are public health & healthcare policy issues.
Policy goal: We need to deter alcoholism & treat people who are alcoholics.
2/n
Policy goal: We need to deter alcoholism & treat people who are alcoholics.
2/n
Drunk driving and domestic violence are criminal issues.
Policy goal: We need to deter drunk driving & domestic violence, and punish offenders who commit these crimes.
3/n
Policy goal: We need to deter drunk driving & domestic violence, and punish offenders who commit these crimes.
3/n
Unsafe production of alcohol is a health issue.
Policy goal: we need safe production — by leaving no reason for underground industry. (Eg No one makes shampoos underground!)
Make producers comply to food safety standards
4/n
Policy goal: we need safe production — by leaving no reason for underground industry. (Eg No one makes shampoos underground!)
Make producers comply to food safety standards
4/n
Alcohol consumers can create nuisance in public places, residential areas etc. This is a law & order issue.
Policy goal: Charge offenders under the law. Ensure city planners zone such areas properly.
5/n
Policy goal: Charge offenders under the law. Ensure city planners zone such areas properly.
5/n
None of these solutions need to impose prohibition or a need to make moral judgements on drinkers.
Alcohol policy based on moral posturing only leads to hypocrisy, corruption, crime and tragedies arising from unsafe liquor. Policy causes them, not liquor.
6/n
Alcohol policy based on moral posturing only leads to hypocrisy, corruption, crime and tragedies arising from unsafe liquor. Policy causes them, not liquor.
6/n
Final point: it is for families & communities to teach responsible consumption of alcohol.
Promote moderation. Promote safe and responsible norms.
Don’t demonise, don’t overly glorify.
Like coffee, like tea, like soft drinks, like alcohol. It’s the dose that matters.
7/7
Promote moderation. Promote safe and responsible norms.
Don’t demonise, don’t overly glorify.
Like coffee, like tea, like soft drinks, like alcohol. It’s the dose that matters.
7/7
Gandhi had many good qualities. But he had some bad ones too.
His worst failing was to turn almost everything into a moral issue, and insist that only his view was right.
Not everything is a moral issue.
His worst failing was to turn almost everything into a moral issue, and insist that only his view was right.
Not everything is a moral issue.
