Drinking problem in Spain

[Suenneil]

I was interested to read this article and wondered what other people think .... banning Happy Hour ? would this really reduce the drinking in Spain ? particularly amongst "minors" ? I wouldnt have thought minors were partaking of the benefits of Happy Hour ??? Another interesting point that I didnt understand

"traditional Mediterranean pattern of drinking is being abandoned while less moderate "Nordic patterns" are emerging"

Nordic patterns ????

Sue

Happy Hour Ban

By James Parkes Costa News Oct 2009
COSTA bar owners fear a severe drop in customers if the Valencia Region decides to follow suit with Cataluña, which has this week issued the first ban in Spain on Happy Hours (two drinks for the price of one) in bars and discos.

Although the ban initially benefits the Costa Blanca, as tourists are expected to shun the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada due to the ban, bar owners fear the Catalan example will spread.

Those found breaking the ban will be fined between 3,000 and 600,000 euros.

Experts believe other regions, will follow suit, more so after a report this week showed alcohol abuse in Spain has soared.

The report concludes that the traditional Mediterranean pattern of drinking is being abandoned while less moderate "Nordic patterns" are emerging.

"The new consumption habit which is developing between Spanish youths, including minors," it says, "is characterised by alcohol consumption associated with leisure and weekend, times when large amounts of alcohol, especially distilled spirits, are drunk."

The study, which was developed by Madrid-based distillers Diageo and the IESE Business School at Navarra University, is part of their joint corporate responsibility strategy and calls special attention to the availability of alcohol to minors.

[jojo]

I dont think drink is the problem, its the mentality thats behind the reason for drinking thats the problem and that isnt gonna change whether they abolish happy hour or not!! You only have to look at the UK to see that the pricing and availablity do nothing to curb the problem!!


Jo xxx

[Tallulah]

That's not an issue for the bar and disco owners - they'll just reduce the prices accordingly to get around it on "specials". The real issue I think here is the "botellon" phenomenon which is becoming out of hand, if the reports are to be believed. We don't get too many out here in the sticks, but news reports and even programmes like "Callejeros" give the impression that major town and city have corners dedicated to what in effect is young people (incl. minors) gathering in large groups and drinking large quantities of cheap booze from plastic bottles and indulging in drugs (which are freely available in these scenarios and very cheap, by all accounts).

Tallulah.x

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Tallulah

That's not an issue for the bar and disco owners - they'll just reduce the prices accordingly to get around it on "specials". The real issue I think here is the "botellon" phenomenon which is becoming out of hand, if the reports are to be believed. We don't get too many out here in the sticks, but news reports and even programmes like "Callejeros" give the impression that major town and city have corners dedicated to what in effect is young people (incl. minors) gathering in large groups and drinking large quantities of cheap booze from plastic bottles and indulging in drugs (which are freely available in these scenarios and very cheap, by all accounts).

Tallulah.x

Which has nowt to do with "happy hour"! As with all governments and authorities, they're targeting the wrong end of an issue and missing the point!

Jo xxx

[Suenneil]

Originally Posted by Tallulah

That's not an issue for the bar and disco owners - they'll just reduce the prices accordingly to get around it on "specials". The real issue I think here is the "botellon" phenomenon which is becoming out of hand, if the reports are to be believed. We don't get too many out here in the sticks, but news reports and even programmes like "Callejeros" give the impression that major town and city have corners dedicated to what in effect is young people (incl. minors) gathering in large groups and drinking large quantities of cheap booze from plastic bottles and indulging in drugs (which are freely available in these scenarios and very cheap, by all accounts).

Tallulah.x

Ive seen those news reports recently too Tally ..... and it looks as if there is a problem with that, but Happy Hour ?? banning Happy Hour does not seem to be me to address the botellon problem - its almost like a UK Government approach to any problem - ban something thats sort of linked to an issue - even though there is no evidence to suggest its the cause of the problem - or that it will solve a problem - but it looks like we are doing something about it anyway

Any comments or ideas on the "Nordic pattern" I always thought other countries associated drink problems and drunkeness with the Brits!

Sue x

[Tallulah]

At the end of the day, bars and clubs and discos are supposed to be licenced premises and not selling alcohol to underage drinkers....therefore yes, the authorities are going after those over which they feel they have the most control - and those which are easily fined/prosecuted if they flout the law. Or maybe, it's not minors who are being served in these locals who are causing the problem, but the "older" clientele!! Stumbling out after a happy hour and karaoke extravaganza?!?

With the botellon scenario, I did see a recent report where they were trying to contain it within a certain specified area, so that it reduced the level of nuisance to others, and the local police would patrol that area. Almost like a legalised rave.

Well, as for the Nordic pattern, kids is kids is kids....we've all been there - a bit of a blow out over the weekend. I remember coming out here years ago though, and alcohol wasn't really "in" for the younger ones - they were more into just going out to a few bars, having non-alcoholic drinks and just hanging around chatting and having a laugh...so I suppose patterns are changing.

xx

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Tallulah

With the botellon scenario, I did see a recent report where they were trying to contain it within a certain specified area, so that it reduced the level of nuisance to others, and the local police would patrol that area. Almost like a legalised rave.

xx

Maybe thats the easy and most sensible option rather than the UK situation where the nuisance is spread all over towns and causing trouble everywhere - they dont ever get rid of the problem either way! In fact I'm not sure how you can reduce or eliminate the problem???

Jo xxx

[Hombre]

Since when was drinking in Spain a problem ?

[Tallulah]

Generally when the spillage of a nice glass of rioja causes a nasty stain on your outfit, Hombre!!

xx

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Hombre

Since when was drinking in Spain a problem ?

I've not heard of this thing that Tallys talking about, all I know about are the Brits on holiday on the costas who get smashed and cause trouble, but banning happy hour wont sort them out either!!

Jo xxx