Drinking ASBO? One Order Too Far?

The British Government has taken action to allow courts to impose a kind of Alcohol ASBO onto drinkers who cause routine problems.  This seems like another step in the move against drinkers.  Although its true that alcohol causes a great deal of problems here the in Uk, I seriously wonder if draconian measures are really the way forward.   Not only do I don’t that they will really work to discourage drinkers.  But I also feel like they may be used against legitimate drinkers as a way to reducing drinking in general.  The government would like to see drinking reduced a lot.  In fact, I suspect that they have a secret desire to remove most forms of drug related entertainment. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t go about the place smashing up streets and screaming after twenty pints of carling.  However, isn’t there a case for improving the drinking culture rather than clamping down like this?  Investment in beer gardens, campaigned to encourage long drinks, and nicer pub environments may well help.   

Why not put forward public money to help pubs expand outside?  Then just add some German style purity laws to get rid of the poor quality pig swill people drink.

Some structural changes would make sense too.  If your venue sells alcohol, then there should be a volume limit, as high volumes encourage heavy drinking.  The minimum number of seats in a venue as a percentage of the capacity should be increased.  People drink less when sitting down.  The government should increase the cost of alcohol, and subsidise mixer. 

With some structural changes the government could make it so, outside drinking is cheaper.  Long drinking is cheaper, sitting down is easier, and talking is easier.  This would cut down drinking to excess, without the need to ban.