With a beer in hand through the supermarket or with a glass of wine through the clothing store. In other words: shop and catering in one. In the coalition agreement, the cabinet writes that it wants to open the shop door for this. To make this possible, the Alcohol Act will have to be relaxed. It can then be donated in more places. But this statement makes a lot of sense. Many people point to the current problem drinkers in our country. According to them, it seems that the government is not even trying to prevent this. For many, the following applies: why does alcohol have to be used everywhere?
One of the readers of the Issue speaks of a ‘crooked policy’. “Smoking is no longer allowed anywhere, but the wine flows freely. How crooked can you think of it? Alcohol consumption seems to be continuing to normalize. You can’t read a book without the bottles of wine rolling over the pages. And then complain about the number of alcoholics, diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions. It seems so cozy, until it turns out to be the opposite.” Other readers agree. This is how it writes Marinka2019: „I don’t understand the policy of this government. They say they think we are becoming unhealthier, talk about a fat or sugar tax. On the other hand, it is apparently okay to promote alcohol consumption.”
no-zem however, sees the criticisms of blurring as patronizing: “It’s nobody’s business what I drink and how I live?” Other readers agree. “What an intrusive view. Give people all the information and possibly warnings. But let them choose for themselves. Do not take away freedoms under the guise of protection. Ultimately that is oppression.”
Hibiscus35 disagrees and points to the possible ‘next step’. “Why does alcohol have to be used everywhere? I have nothing against a glass on any occasion, that can give a festive touch to something (for many). The countless catering establishments, young people who are bobbing with a glass in their hand on something that should represent music and overcrowded terraces are a sign that alcohol is apparently a necessity of life, but we can also exaggerate. What is the next step: wine in the supermarket, at the doctor, at the drugstore?”
Alcoholism
Many readers name the current alcoholics in our country. Janbolhuis59 ncalls blurring ‘completely inappropriate’ „At least 15% of the population has an alcohol problem! The worst part is that only a few realize this. Now they want to allow this again! Alcohol costs our society around 4.5 billion Euros per year. Need I say more? I know the pitfalls of alcohol.” EdwinvanderMan In fact, thinks it will be a “good reason for an alcoholic to go to the hairdresser more often.”
According to High flyer can a drinking problem also slowly creep in due to blurring and describes what a possible daily rhythm can look like “You have planned a busy day. First you will have your bicycle repaired at the bicycle repair shop. There you drink your first glass of wine. Then to the hairdresser. Nice, a second glass. You have lunch in a restaurant. With two glasses. In the afternoon you go sports. Huppatee, two more glasses.”
Toucan Bohon thinks otherwise. „A small group of people, who are ‘prone to addiction’, actually determine why the much larger group of people, who can handle a drink at the hairdresser, don’t get that beer. That’s really weird isn’t it?”
‘Good life’
A number of readers understand the resistance and dangers of blurring, but believe that life can also be “a little fun.” Ellencc also mentions that there is nothing wrong with a glass of wine at the hairdresser. “A glass of wine at the end of the afternoon is not wrong at a nice hairdresser where you have been coming for years.”
Bartels_els speaks from personal experience and does not think there is anything wrong with a glass of wine in the barber chair „I have been doing this for years. I deliberately make an appointment late in the afternoon, staff can take a breather with a nice glass. Nothing wrong with it!”
Another reader also mentions that it should be possible to do just fine. But I’d rather not have the staff join in the drinks. I would not like to be the last customer!”