Sir, – The Minister [Catherine Martin] is right that Ireland is way behind other European countries in our restriction on serving alcohol late. However it is also a fact that Irish people are way behind continental Europe in our relationship with alcohol.
In Munich where I live the legal drinking age in public is 14 with a responsible adult present, 16 if the minor is on their own. Many bars close when the last person leaves. It’s rare to see an inebriated person and violence from alcohol even more rare. “He was drunk your honour” is not an admissible defence in court.
Privilege comes with responsibility. We have not yet grasped that. Until then, licensing laws should stay tight.
– Yours, etc,
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SIMON BLAKE,
Munich, Germany.