Should the sale and consumption of alcohol be further restricted or possibly banned?
If cannabis is too "dangerous" to be legal, alcohol should DEFINITELY be criminalized.
Marijuana is a terrible thing that ruins lives; it's addictive, makes people do stupid things without thinking, and kills thousands, perhaps even millions. Alcohol ruins more lives, marriages, and families. It is way more addictive and its abuse leads to higher crime rates. Alcohol poisoning and alcohol-related injuries also account for more deaths in America than marijuana. If marijuana is illegal, its only logical to ban every drug deadlier and more destructive than it. While it is true prohibition was an utter failure, so is marijuana prohibition, and we still keep up that fight.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's as harmful as any of the other drugs.
It's a major cause of death around the world. It's more harmful than cannabis and ecstasy and almost as harmful as heroin. It's one of main causes of public disorders and crime. It has devastating effect on your body and is one of the main causes of cancer and organ failures. It should be fully banned and criminalized along with. There should be strict limitations introduced in its use. http://www.ias.org.uk/resources/publications/alcoholalert/alert200701/al200701_p8.html
People when will you open your eyes? All we need is some weed, ecstasy, a drop of LSD and to chew on Khat leaf every now and than, or do some poppers. That's pretty much it.
This is a joke - there are more dangerous legal substances there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S BEEN PROVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! You all keep worrying about the little ones. Most of the research proves that those substances that are being banned, now proved fatal only - or almost only - when mixed with alcohol, or ketamie, or cocaine, or heroin.Posted by: AnonymousAlcohol is involved in 75% of violent crimes
It is also well established that it will impair brain development in those under 25, it is addictive, it damages un born babies, it causes much hardship.
How could we as a society support such a thing.
People say there is free will for people to drink, but this is the same as saying there is free will for people to hurt or even kill others.Posted by: AnonymousYes, to prevent too many mistakes.
More often than not when under the influence of alcohol people make mistakes, some fatal. Alcohol should be illegal like other mind altering drugs. If you really ask yourself what good comes from drinking the only tangible answer is the money businesses that distribute and sell alcohol make and the jobs the industry creates. If that is a good enough reason to legally sell and allow the consumption of alcohol than human kind weights the importance of profit more than we value life. Once banned, the cycle of drinking will eventually phase out to only those individuals who have no shame in pursuing it illegally.
Posted by: AnonymousAlcohol should not in be supermarkets.
Alcohol prices should not be subsidized by supermarkets, nor sold there with easy access to minors and the vulnerable. Let sales be conducted on licensed premises, whether they be local wine merchants or pub based "bottle shops". Let the days of loss leader sales by the supermarkets at the expense of the health of it's customers come to an end.
Posted by: AnonymousThe drinking age should be raised to 25 I think.
The reason I believe that the drinking age should be raised is that between the ages of 18 and 24 you are still growing and learning and drinking does not help with your judgment at these ages.
Posted by: 5h4rkEmarIt is additive and makes who do foolish descions.
Once a person drinks a bit of it, he most likely will want more of it. It also makes a person out of his/her mind, and do foolish descions. That is why in casinos and places of auction
bidding, alcohol is very readyly avaliable. Alcohol is also the number one reason for road accidents and child abbuse.Posted by: AnonymousI think that alcohol should be further restricted to prevent some of the issues that occur.
There are so many young people that get alcohol before the age of 21 and their should be better restrictions on this issue. If someone is found to be buying for underage children it should put them into a lot of trouble causing them to not want to this. Alcohol causes so many unnecessary deaths that could be prevented somehow.
Posted by: B3rkIffyAlcohol kills many people.
Alcohol is a very bad substance. It kills many people each day and it ruins hundreds of lives. ALCOHOL SHOULD BE BANNED, NOT RESTRICTED!!!! More people die from alcohol than marijuana but it is still not banned like marijuana! BAN THE BOOZE!!! Get it out of our day to day lives and arrest people who drink that ridiculous stuff.
Posted by: AnonymousIt should be prohibited.
The reason why it should be prohibited is because alcohol is the drug which is separating families and causing many of accidents and crimes. When alcohol was restricted America was a very better nation homes were mended and families were reunited. Alcohol has done nothing but ruin the lives of people and increase the crimes around the world
Posted by: AnonymousAlcohol is not at all good for consumption as it is semi synthetic and can hurt the body and brain.
When you drink alcohol, you are poisoning your body and that is why you urinate so quickly. Your kidneys suspect you have something toxic so it filters out those bad things. Alcohol causes brain damage and seizures when over time, it is abused. It doesn't come from plants and it is man made. It is also the source of depression and anxiety problems.
Posted by: waffletimeIts only logical.
Marijuana is a terrible thing that ruins lives, its addictive, makes people do stupid things without thinking, and kills thousands, perhaps even millions. Alcohol ruins more lives, marriages and families. It is way more addictive and its abuse leads to higher crime rates. Alcohol poisoning and alcohol related injuries account for more deaths in America than marijuana as well. If marijuana is illegal, its only logical to ban every drug deadlier and more destructive than it. While it is true prohibition was an utter failure, so is marijuana prohibition, and we still keep up that fight. Adults aren't intelligent enough to exercise free will. They must be spoon fed by the government !
Posted by: AnonymousWhat can it do to you?
Alcohol has done many things, and ruined a lot of my life. No I have never consumed any for I'm underage, but my father had been an alcoholic and he did somethings that really hurt me and my family. He's done things that you probably couldn't even imagine could happen.
Posted by: AnonymousDuh
Seriously folks, we all know this stuff is really bad for you. Have a puff off of my vaporizer and a sip of my caffeine free tea. The known problems are just too many for this substance. What has it done for you lately? And funny enough, most whom oppose this would scoff at pot.
Posted by: AnonymousPrevention is better than cure
As long as our politicians, top Businessmen and celebrities drink and promote alcohol- our majority are addicted. Ban it rather than spending millions on campaigns against it. Sacrifice the multi billion income we get from selling alcohol and cigarettes. Many young talents are wasted with these mood swinging, slow moving poisons eating up your brains.
Posted by: Anonymous
Sale and consumption of alcohol should not be banned, because prohibition showed what a bad idea that was
Corner shops, pubs and supermarkets have alcohol that is not selling. Loads of people are prevented to buy alcohol because of their expensive pricing. Therefore people lose businesses by not making profit after buying the actual products. Millions of people around the world are in poverty or in debts. Alcohol can change their moods and put a happy smile on their face. But how will they be able to retrieve this without enough money. Sales on alcohol can change this. Everyday! Every single day at least 2 or 3 alcohol businesses get ripped away by this lack of selling. Alcohol consumption is a staple of American culture. In fact, in many situations, it is as American as apple pie. Banning the sale or consumption of alcohol would essentially rob the government of crucial tax dollars. It would also create a black market in moon shining and raise crime rates as a result. By supporting my view restriction in alcohol can be banned. If there is a stop to sale there will be a stop to freedom, a stop to alcohol permanently, and a stop to businesses.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, I think the drinking age should actually be lowered.
When we are 18, we can buy cigarettes, which are way more harmful than alcohol. When we are 18 we are legally adults. Why can't we have a beer? Lowering it would cause less arrests because if it was lower, less people drinking underage would be arrested, because they wouldn't be underage anymore. Young people drink because they think it's "coo?" Because you have to be older to do it. But if we lower it, then there's not much special about it anymore. There's a million other reasons why too, but I think I made my point.
Posted by: AnonymousThe sale and consumption of alcohol should not be further restricted or possibly banned. Although alcohol can be abused, and that can lead to problems, that should not be used to further restrict the sale and consumption of alcohol.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should not be further restricted or even banned. The abuse of any consumed good can cause health and other problems, whereas responsible consumption does not. It is not disputed that consuming too much salt or sugar or any food can lead to health problems, but we are not talking about banning or restricting the use of these products. Society should not punish its members who are responsible consumers just because some people are irresponsible. There are medical studies which show that the responsible consumption of some alcoholic beverages, for example, wine, can provide some health benefits. Are you proposing that it be dispensed by prescription?
Posted by: 5kyErtoToo many negatives
People have consumed alcohol ever since. Further restrictions or banning would give rise to a plethora of problems that'll be even more difficult to grapple with. Just like the laws of supply and demand, people should have the right to weigh in the good and bad judge for themselves - we have schools and the media to do this. People should have the right to choose. The level of moderation should be influenced by the above mentioned institutions. Cheers!
Posted by: AnonymousProhibition has been tried before and it failed miserably.
The sale and consumption of alcohol was banned once before. It was a disaster. People have been consuming alcohol for centuries. It is a part of our culture. As long as alcohol is consumed in moderation there is nothing wrong with it. If we banned alcohol, there would be many people who would lose their jobs. The economy would be negatively affected.
Posted by: VasilBuddyBanning of alcohol sales and consumption didn't work the first time, i.e. "Prohibition", so why would it work this time?
If alcohol were banned nationwide you would see the highest rise in crime ever in the world's history. This is complete backward thinking. European countries that have no drinking age do not have the problems we have here in the United States. We have attached a dangerous stigma to drinking in the form of making it special and slightly taboo. It becomes a novelty to young adults to count the days until they turn twenty-one. It sets up an explosive situation that would only be furthered by the complete banning of it.
Posted by: BrianDjAlcohol doesn't need to be regulated any more than it already is.
A certain amount of reasonable regulation on the sale of alcohol is fine, such as legislating the minimum age for purchase. However further regulation provides no benefit to society. People may not remember if they are unfamiliar with history, but we already tried prohibition in the 1920's and it was a disaster. Many legitimate businesses folded or were seriously hurt by the move. Meanwhile organized crime stepped in to fill the gap and the mob actually gained a great deal of power because of the profits they could make from illegal booze. Many consumers were exposed to unsafe bootleg alcohol and to dangerous situations in speakeasy saloons. And in the end, people just didn't stop drinking, no one was saved from alcoholism, and all of the disruption was for nothing.
Posted by: 54r4h5FinIToo many negatives
People have consumed alcohol ever since. Further restrictions or banning would give rise to a plethora of problems that'll be even more difficult to grapple with. Just like the laws of supply and demand, people should have the right to weigh in the good and bad judge for themselves - we have schools and the media to do this. People should have the right to choose. The level of moderation should be influenced by the above mentioned institutions. Cheers!
Posted by: Anonymousbanning is not going to stop people from getting them illegally
No. It is better if it stays legal. Banning the sale of alcohol will only worsen things. It will create a huge black market with gangs taking control and producing spurious liquor. Alcohol is legal now, so it is regulated. We also know what is in it. When it becomes illegal, there is nothing about where it is made from and what its contents are. This can lead to serious health problems. In some parts of the world, methanol is added to alcohol to increase the concentration. Methanol is a toxic poison often leading to death and poison. It is better that liquor is produced the legal way. If alcohol is going to be banned, we will soon see new cartels similar to drug cartels.
Posted by: N4rrGetI am against any restriction on alcohol sales and consumption because there is no legal grounds to support this.
I am against banning or restricting the sale and consumption of alcohol as there is no evidence that it will achieve any demonstrable goal. Prohibition did not function as intended in US history; instead it led to an increase in crime statistics and the rise of organized crime groups. Instead of restricting alcohol, the U.S. government should create greater dependency assistance programs to aid those who are addicted. Additionally, alcohol counseling should be a priority for any judicial punishment stemming from an alcohol offense such as DUI or public intoxication.
Posted by: VampireShuBanning the consumption of liquor will not serve any purpose because people are going to drink alcohol anyway.
If people want to drink alcohol, restricting it or banning it will not serve any purpose. It is better to educate people about how to consume alcohol responsibly so that they do not get addicted.
Posted by: danoneenoNo, prohibition didn't work in the past and it certainly won't work now.
When the prohibition of the sale of alcohol took place in the United States, it did not deter alcohol consumption in this country. Instead, it made criminals of the average person and increased the overall crime rate due to the existence of alcohol producers and consumption facilities. Additionally, further restricting the sale and consumption of alcohol is not realistic. As it is, the current minimum age of consumption is not in accordance with the rest of society. Specifically, between the ages of 18 through 21, you can fight and die for your country, but cannot consume alcohol. Either raise military entry age to 21 or lower the alcohol consumption age to 18.
Posted by: Yang37The sale and consumption of alcohol should not be further restricted or banned, because it has always been counterproductive to do so.
Attempts to curtail or ban the use of alcoholic substances has always proved fruitless and counterproductive. While certain controls as to sales and places of consumption need to be employed, outright banning will only be evaded and not limit the use of this item. Alcohol consumption is integral with human civilization, and totally intertwined with society. Tightening restrictions would invariably lead to criminal organizations controlling the distribution of these beverages. Just quickly look back to what happened in America, when Prohibition was instituted, or how Mexico is today, ravaged by organizations vying for the control of the drug market.
Posted by: FLindsayAlcohol consumption is regulated enough and to regulate it more may lead to use of harder drugs.
The sale and consumption of alcohol is regulated enough. The U.S. already tried to ban alcohol, and it was not successful as a means to control the consumption of alcohol. I support the legalization of more drugs, with taxation to make them prohibitively expensive so their use would be occasional and not cause more of a drug problem. If alcohol was illegal, people would probably resort to more dangerous methods of drug consumption, such as huffing dangerous substances.
Posted by: EImerBuddieConsumption of alcohol should not be banned. Individuals simply need to be responsible when drinking.
People need to drink responsibly, but this has to do with the individual and not the alcohol itself. Alcohol, when consumed with caution, is not unsafe and therefore it should not be outlawed. If alcohol were banned it would simply go underground like drugs anyway, so not too much would really be accomplished. It's better that the distribution of alcohol be regulated.
Posted by: TwoVicBanning or restricting alcohol sale and consumption would prove more detrimental than helpful.
Alcohol consumption is a staple of American culture. In fact, in many situations, it is as American as apple pie. Banning the sale and/or consumption of alcohol would essentially rob the government of crucial tax dollars. It would also create a black market in moonshining and raise crime rates as a result.
Posted by: R0m4nticCarThe sale of alcohol to adults should continue, this is still America right?
We sure live in a nanny state today. What has happened to us as a people? Why do we let government control every aspect of our lives today? What right does the government have to tell a free man he cannot drink a beer? The government needs to concentrate on the defense of this nation. We have major wars being waged, and a border problem. Why can't they concentrate on that instead of whether a man can drink alcohol?
Posted by: BriaBlackenNo, restricting or banning the sale and consumption of alcohol has not worked in the past and will not work now.
Prohibition was a very strange period in American history when the sale and consumption of alcohol was illegal. Consequently, the production of alcohol was uncontrolled, and the sale of it gave rise to widespread criminal behavior, including organized crime. I actually favor easing the restrictions on the sale of alcohol but increasing the penalties for its misuse and abuse. Countries that allow young people to consume alcohol seem to have a better track record with responsible use because it is normalized and first experienced in the home. At the same time, I believe operating vehicles and equipment under the influence, or committing acts of violence should carry much heftier punishments, and these punishments should be graphically displayed in advertising and other venues where alcohol can be purchased or consumed.
Posted by: baltuteI oppose any further restrictions against the sale and consumption of alcohol beyond the current restrictions, because its use is a personal choice.
The purchase or consumption of alcohol is a personal choice, and it is not up to the government or another agency to put any more limits or restrictions on alcohol. An individual has the right to choose whether or not they want to purchase and/or use alcohol.
Posted by: lacis48Alcohol is like the forbidden fruit.
The more people can't have it, the more they binge drink (hence kids going away to college and drinking insane amounts). Someone who lives in a country where drinking with a meal is normal for a younger person will most likely not make stupid decisions. Someone who lives in, say, the US, is more likely to make destructive decisions when it comes to alcohol. If anything, the consumption age of alcohol should be lowered or to whenever legal guardians decide. As long as they're not alcoholics, that is.
Posted by: AnonymousWe have already tried that once before and it only made things worse. When you ban or restrict something it only makes people want it more.
People need to learn to be more responsible and make the right decisions when it comes to how much they drink or if they consume alcohol at all.
Posted by: BratzkyProhibition is a great way to create scofflaws, fund the criminal element , create shame and ruin lives, far worse than the effect of drinking alcohol.
All you really need to do to see why Prohibition doesn't work is pick up a copy of The Lawless Years TV show. It's the best no-brow explanation of how the outlawing of a drug creates unintended reactions that ruin society, and creates no benefit worth its cost. Placing individuals outside of the social safety net always backfires, and often backfires with little if any silver lining for the efforts and expenses and social regulations provided. If the desired result is important, we need to move in the opposite direction.
Posted by: groovyboxI believe that alcohol sales should not be restricted or banned, and that it is the responsibility of the consumer to educate themselves about heath risks and laws associated with alcohol.
Alcohol is used in many social situations and can be enjoyable when used responsibly. There are many concerns about the misuse of alcohol and accidents related to alcohol, however, consumers have publicly been made aware of the health risks and laws regarding alcohol consumption through public service announcements, billboard advertisements, and warning labels. Those who are capable of following these rules should not be punished for the actions of those who can not. If the sales and consumption laws pertaining to alcohol were further regulated or banned, I also believe there would be more crime surrounding alcohol. Consumers would then have to find illegal ways to obtain alcohol, and many would begin to make it themselves, which would create more serious problems concerning alcohol sales and consumption.
Posted by: PleasantMorgan61Alcohol should not be banned or restricted further because, if that were to happen, like so many things, a black market is likely to grow from it.
Alcohol should not be banned or restricted further because, if that were to happen, like so many things, a black market is likely to grow from it, with people paying a much higher price for alcohol, and these people would likely be minors. Police have enough to do, without having to deal with the consequences of criminalizing alcohol.
Posted by: PeriodicPatrick28Sale and consumption of alcohol should not be banned, because Prohibition showed what a bad idea that was.
We already tried the banishment of alcohol from the nation during Prohibition, and it lead to the rise of organized crime and gang warfare. That eventually lead to the repeal of Prohibition. We still haven't learned this lesson, as many drugs are prohibited and costs us lives and millions of dollars in our losing War on Drugs.
Posted by: FlakyHerb64Personal Choice
Taking away personal choice, for each and every person, takes away our freedom, for all. The manufacturer bashing in this world needs to stop - companies provide jobs and revenue. Bashers are paid by the taxpayers. Now it's not just cigarettes and alcohol product (and alcohol beverages are not homogenous), but french fries and cheesburgers. Consumers KNOW how to think for themselves. If you don't want it, don't buy it. Unfortunately, those making the decisions and the rukus in the world make their income from keeping the bashing and insisting on restrictions to save people from themsleves alive. Otherwise, the bashers would have to go sell cheseburgers at McDonalds because they would have no purpose in the face of resolution based on reality..
Posted by: Anonymous