I can't understand why grog is still allowed to be advertised in the media. We correctly removed one drug (tobacco) from all forms of advertising yet grog continues to be advertised.

Most people must dread the coming of February each year because the beer-soaked boofheads from the various football codes are allowed out of their cages to engage in their anti-social antics.

One of the most worrying trends in modern society is nannying busybodies prying into our private lives telling us how to act and socialise.

In fact, studies show that over the last 5 years, there has been a 16-18% rise in articles 'concerned' about the way Australians do someting-or-other.

Middle-aged bureuacrats seem to be the most at-risk sector here. Previously males were predominant, but the rise of women to higher levels of bureacracy means they appear to be indulging in 'concern' as well.

Especially dangerous is the the phenomenon of 'binge worrying', where people show 'concern' about six or even seven different things in the course of a short conference.

Recognised expert in the danger of worrying, Dr T.F. Much [10 bonus points and a slab if you know where I stole that name from], said that with a bit less patronising assumption that they know better, worriers can be gently led to trust the judgement of their fellow citizens.

David Jackmanson
http://www.letstakeover.blogspot.com

What is the pseudo-Left?
http://www.lastsuperpower.net/disc/members/568578247191

A wowser....that must be a word coming from a non drinker! i have never used that term in my life, sounds like you dont get out too much champ.

Alcohol has been an integral part of society for hundreds of years, and just like the way you consume food or anything for that matter, moderation is the key but every person still has a right to consume to their desired levels.

If they want to blow all their money on it, its up to them. Most of society does not have a problem with alcohol, it can be a positive experience if responsible and therefore it can be managed.

Here here for the binge worrying post, the media and those on their high horse try to shock us all and question our lives continuously, and if we listen to everyone we would not consume any food, alcohol, have any social fabric, lock up our children, and never set foot out the front door.

You are not labelled a wowser for raising concerns. you are right for a small percentage of the population, but you dont see beer drinkers raising concerns about church going people who are too perfect as they may have deep rooted secrets and unhealthy desires.

Mate, you can be more productive with your time than writing articles like this i am sure.

Good Luck

David Jackson - classic mate couldn't agree more.

Rob, hasn't the nanny state taken enough control over every single aspect of our lives?

Ironically there are much safer alternatives to alcohol for relaxation and recreational use but "Nanny says no" to those. So leave us in peace to pickle our livers thank you, or have an evidence based policy that allows the safe moderate use of far less harmful substances by free thinking adults

"increasing the minimum price" Eeek

What a load of waffle. Lets ban the advertising of everything except carrots, broccoli and brussel sprouts.

Its no wonder kids get pissed when they look at the world around them.

I agree completely with the article.

Those who accuse the writer of promoting a nanny state would be the first to expect the state to nanny them and pick up the tab for the cost of excessive drinking e.g. road crashes, liver damage etc.

There is indeed a double standard in Australia. "Tough on Drugs" but don't touch alcohol and don't ban tobacco. The hypocrisy is glaring.

Yes we should be discouraging binge drinking. Companies don't spend millions on advertising for nothing. They spend it because it works. They don't have to pick up the costs of excessive drinking.

This is not being a nanny state. This is encouraging individual responsibility for actions.

I enjoy a drink myself. I am dubious about the effectiveness of increasing prices. But I do think we need to drop the hypocrisy and double standards. Alcohol is a drug. Marijuana is a drug. Tobacco is a drug. Let's minimise the harm that they do, and strip away the glamorous image promoted by the suppliers. There's nothing pretty or glamorous about a person out of control through any sort of drug use.