www.the-kingdom.ie/news/story/?trs=cwgbsnkfoj -
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Published on: 3/27/2008
Last Visited: 3/28/2008
Kerry VFI chief, John O'Sullivan, remarked: "Rural isolation is a huge issue and recent comments by leading consultant psychiatrist Dr Mosajee Bhamjee in Clare, linking rural pub closures to isolation and in turn depression and perhaps suicide, should be treated very seriously."
People with no social outlet are isolated and are drinking more at home, he added. >
"The VFI believes that any move to bring the current blood alcohol level down again will only lead to more rural isolation as people will be even more reluctant to visit their local pub," said Mr O'Sullivan, who runs a public house in Tralee.
"The current legislation is working in relation to drink driving and publicans and customers understand the rules and get the message.Reducing the blood alcohol level is a distraction from the kernel of this issue," he said.
The Kerry publicans insist they are more than willing to play a role in solving road safety and other issues and will engage with all the relevant stakeholders, including gardaí, customers, the HSE, the RSA, the Department of Transport and all other agencies to find the best solution.
"Reducing the blood alcohol levels to below the current level will do nothing except criminalise people who may have one drink on their way home from work or a glass of wine with dinner or who may be driving the morning after a responsible night out," said Mr O'Sullivan.
"The focus is totally wrong and reducing the blood alcohol levels will only make criminals out of innocent people," he added.