Change attitudes, not law (From Penarth Times)

Change attitudes, not law

THIS WEEK, we asked Penarthians about how we should tackle the issue of binge drinking and the resulting problem of anti-social behaviour on our streets.

Ruth Perry, 65, of Teasel Avenue, said: "I think binge drinking is a major concern. There is a strong case for greater police presence in town centres.

"I saw as a girl how devastating the effects of alcohol can be on family life."

Margaret Fontaine, 84, of Plymouth Road, said: "I think young people are drinking too much today, certainly much more than when I was young. I think 24-hour opening would make the problem of binge drinking and anti-social behaviour worse."

Edward Meyrick, 67, said: "I think most of Britain's provincial cities including Cardiff have a problem with a culture of binge drinking. I'm not sure what the government can do to tackle it. It's more to do with attitudes. I am reluctant to go into the centre of Cardiff in the evening at weekends. I think bar owners should bear more responsibility."

John Edwards, 76, of Cherry Close, Dinas Powys, said: "I think the problem of binge drinking and anti-social behaviour is growing, but I think that is just one aspect of falling social standards. Society seems to be degenerating and it gets worse with every generation.

"I find our town and city centres intimidating at the weekends. The atmosphere is very different and much better in continental Europe." Kathy Edwards, 71, of Cherry Close, Dinas Powys, said: "I don't know if this is something that you can change through legislation, it's more a matter of changing attitudes."

Valerie Catterall, 64, of Victoria Square, said: "I think young people are under great peer pressure to drink to excess and they seem to think that you can't have a good time without getting smashed. Well you can!"

Mark Crandon, 36, of Crandon Design,, in Herbert Terrace, said: "I don't think legislation is the answer. It's attitudes towards drink that need to change. Cardiff city centre can be intimidating partly because of the number of bars packed into such a small area."

Jane Todd, 29, of Plymouth Road, said: "I don't think young people realise what they are doing to their livers. Alcohol like everything else should be taken in moderation."