A recent report has suggested that the government is being pressurized for banning the sales of alcohol in shops and supermarkets. It has been found recently that the rate of alcohol consumption has gone sky-high as a consequence of promulgation of alcohol outlets in the majority of areas.

The recently revealed report on alcohol and drugs says that sale of alcohol in garages and supermarkets should be completely banned by the Government, which will help in avoiding the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

It has been found by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children that proliferation in outlets for alcohol has given rise to the consumption of alcohol by a large number of people. It was said by the committee that VAT refunds on sale of alcohol beneath cost should not be allowed by the Government.

Further, it has been suggested by the committee’s findings that new educational plans should be set up by the Government in order to shed some light on the negative consequences of drug and alcohol misuse, thereby convincing people to change their current attitudes towards alcohol consumption.

“Nobody wants to see people’s livelihoods being diminished or being damaged, but there comes a time when you have to say what is in the best interest of the public and public health”, added Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer, the chairman of the committee.

The committee had a consultation with stakeholders and other such bodies, and the discussion resulted in suggesting that the retail market should completely eradicate voluntary code of practice and there should be a strict prohibition on home deliveries and alcohol advertisements on social networking websites. In addition, the retail industry should also stop advertising alcohol on discount.

It will therefore throw light on massive personal as well as economic costs, the consequences of hazardous drinking, with the intent of making considerable changes in the society’s attitude towards the misuse of drugs and alcohol.