ALCOHOL

Alcohol has always played a large role in Australian society but due to its addictive nature and the fact that it often gets over used, it has not, on the whole, been a positive influence.

At one time, beer was used almost as a replacement for water. Water sources were so poor in quality that weak beer was often a safer option to drink.

Right from the early days alcohol has caused problems in society with employers blaming the availability of intoxicating liquor for the poor behaviour of workers.

At one time beer and spirits were the drinks of choice in W.A. but the emergence of the wine industry has introduced a greater range of ways to get a hang over.

In 1906 the visiting Italian Consul L. Zunini wrote the following :

'Although it is difficult for us Europeans to understand why there are so many hotels, it is explicable when one considers the enormous amount of alcohol consumed in Australia, and particularly in Western Australia.'

'In Australia, for those of you who do not know, the drunkard enjoys universal attention and respect, something akin to that of the insane in Moslem countries.'

There has never been any attempt at prohibition (at least not for European Australians) in W.A. but Aboriginal people were found to be especially at risk from the effects of this drug and were originally banned from purchasing it. Eventually this restriction was lifted and the consequences for Aborigines have been devastating.

Today alcohol is still responsible for a great many social problems and many road deaths in car crashes are related directly to the consumption of alcohol. The official legal blood alcohol limit in W.A. is 0.05 but we feel it would be better to have a ZERO blood alcohol limit when driving a vehicle.

Like smoking, alcohol causes a great raft of problems in society but governments seem so addicted to the revenue they get from these products that they never do anything but mop up after the tragedies occur.

Unlike tobacco, it is possible to use alcohol in moderation and not only enjoy it but to get some direct health benefits from it. Sadly too many people abuse drugs like this and as a society we seem to be stuck with the misery and harm that results.