Madam, - I write with regard to the article in Wednesday's edition by Michael Patten of the Drinks Industry Group. His industry, like any other, is interested in selling as many of its products as possible for as much profit as possible. Talk of its interest being in promoting sensible drinking, when sensible drinking would mean less drinking and therefore lower profits, is disingenuous.
Alcohol consumption in this country is far too high. The Government, for a number of well documented reasons, wants to curb this consumption, so the Government and the drinks industry have diametrically opposed agendas. Two such parties cannot work in partnership as Mr Patton suggests.
Advertising alcohol increases its consumption. The argument that alcohol advertising serves only to help people who have already decided to drink to choose one brand over another is at variance with common sense.
The only question to be resolved in this very clear situation, is whether or not the Government has the courage to act against what has always, to our shame, been an extremely powerful vested interest in this country. - Yours, etc,
JIM McGOWAN,Sandyford, Dublin 18.