Ireland and alcohol: An uneasy relationship

Stereotypes of Ireland's problematic relationship with alcohol are pervasive. Despite this widely held perception, there is no evidence of any innate predisposition to alcohol or alcoholism among the Irish. However, although alcohol continues to play a pivotal role in the social sphere of many cultures, in Ireland the relationship is particularly problematic. Ireland has experienced significant increases in the absolute level of alcohol consumption and binge drinking over the last 15 years. Evidence of excess alcohol consumption can be seen across a range of populations, ranging from children and students to adults. The negative health impacts of excess alcohol consumption are both significant and costly. Evidence of the adverse effects of alcohol can easily be seen across many aspects of mortality and morbidity. However the Irish State continues to display what can at best be described as "light touch regulation", i.e., neo-liberal rhetoric for minimal regulation. Many aspects of the alcohol industry in Ireland, particularly advertising and sponsorship, remain largely self-governing. The reasons for this are clear, as the alcohol industry continues to be a major force in Irish political and economic thinking.