Northern Ireland First mInister Arlene Foster (left) and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’ Neill yesterday
The Stormont executive choose
The shops that the public can use
But can people go on
With off licenses gone?
It’s a diktat that doesn’t amuse.
John Moynes
Press Eye
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This is a time of great stress for many people and all they have done is shove that extra trade into queues in supermarkets which means putting everyone at more risk.
And did they take medical advice before making this decision? I doubt it. Forcing someone who has issues with alcohol to suddenly stop rather than taper off can be dangerous- and will add even more pressure on GPs and hospitals.
The DUP just couldn’t resist getting their puritan oar stuck in but- why did SF agree to it?
They’re not forcing anyone to stop drinking – they’re just arbitrarily moving trade from premises that sell only alcohol to those that sell it as part of a wider offering that includes groceries. If I owned an off-licence, I’d start selling a few bags of crisps and call myself a grocer.
Yes they are crowding people into supermarkets which lengthen the amount of time everyone queues and therefore, increases the risk of transmission- where is the logic in that?
It is completely counter productive.
Given that most off licenses in NI are owned by local people rather than large supermarkets, the assembly should where possible be supporting local but clearly- they don’t feel those business are worth helping.
SF in particular will be remembered for this action.
https://sluggerotoole.com/2020/03/25/why-northern-ireland-should-add-off-licenses-to-covid19-exceptions/
Alcohol is an immunosuppressant. Fact is we should all drink less, or not at all.
People think they want politicians to take charge but when faced by reality they don’t like it.
On the other hand, a little of what you fancy is good for you, and isn’t worth the hassle. The UK government has already added off-license to the list of exceptions, the North will surely follow:
Coronavirus: Off-licences added to list of ‘essential’ retailers
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52033260