The banning of alcohol sales in Ireland during the global pandemic

Summary

The article discusses the impact of potential alcohol sales bans in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the effects on publicans, alcohol dependency, and the broader societal implications.

Abstract

Ireland's plan to reopen bars has been delayed until at least August 10th, causing distress among publicans who fear for their businesses' survival after five months of closure. Amidst this, there are calls to ban alcohol sales in supermarkets and off-licenses to prevent house parties and reduce COVID-19 transmission. However, this proposal raises concerns about the potential for panic buying, leading to an "alcohol drought," and the plight of individuals with alcohol dependency. The article questions the focus on this issue when international flights continue to operate, suggesting a lack of empathy for those who rely on alcohol for comfort during the pandemic. It also reflects on the broader societal impact of such measures, especially if another lockdown occurs.

Opinions

Publicans feel that their businesses are not being adequately considered by the government, leading to fears of financial ruin.
Proponents of the alcohol sales ban believe it will decrease gatherings and thus COVID-19 cases, although this view is seen as narrow by some.
Critics argue that targeting alcohol sales is misguided when international travel remains operational, indicating a larger unaddressed issue.
There is concern for individuals with alcohol dependency and what an alcohol shortage could mean for their well-being.
The article suggests that the discussion around alcohol sales reflects a broader societal issue of empathy, particularly in a time when many have lost their jobs and look forward to the simple pleasure of sharing a drink with family at home.
The author expresses hope that the country can avoid another lockdown that would further restrict personal freedoms and social interactions.

The banning of alcohol sales in Ireland during the global pandemic

Here in Ireland, we are entering into phase four of lifting the restrictions in place during the lockdown. Bars were going to open up to the public on July 20th but the date has been postponed once again and pushed until at least August 10th.

Publicans are enraged that there is no consideration for their businesses and many don't know if they'll be able to survive any longer. Bars and nightclubs have already been shut for the last 5 months.

But that's not where the conversation about alcohol sales end, there has been discussions and suggestions made to the Irish government to consider putting a ban on all alcohol sales from supermarkets and off-licenses.

Why is this? Well according to the individuals calling for the ban, it will put a stop to all house parties and gatherings which means less COVID-19 cases arising. Of course, their viewpoint makes sense but all flights have been coming in and out of the country so why target this issue when there is a much bigger one to be addressed.

We witnessed what happened before the world went into lockdown, masses of panicking people rushing to the shops to grab everything they could of the shelves to keep them going during the lockdown.

Can you imagine if the same happens with alcohol, there would be an alcohol drought!

Where would the individuals with alcohol dependency issues be if this happened? It is a disheartening thought on the suffering that these people would have to go through.

What I extracted from this is the lack of empathy for others that these people in this day and age have. I am not a big drinker but in a nation that shut down which lead to people losing their jobs and what they looked forward to was a few drinks to have a home with their families until things came back to normality.

Let us hope we don't face another lockdown were are freedom and social pleasures combined are stripped away from us.