It sounds like an emotional reaction to a serious problem that has been a part of the country's "rum culture" for generations. And I have serious doubts about whether such a measure is even enforceable given the proliferation of bars in every community in Trinidad & Tobago that are licensed to operate 24/7.
What is worse is that anyone can buy alcohol just about everywhere. Most supermarkets sell the stuff and I've even seen it for sale at gas stations. It is also common to see drivers on the road with a beer in one hand while driving with the other, which I consider to be even more offensive and dangerous than talking on a mobile phone.
In such an environment you cannot even trace the establishment that is responsible for intoxicating drivers who get behind the wheels of their vehicles, making their automobiles killing machines.
The starting point, therefore, is not legislation aimed at bars but a serious look at the native culture with the aim of starting to change that.
We are a society that encourages consumption of alcohol. It has become part of popular culture as evidenced by the various Chutney "hits" that celebrate rum drinking. The Chutney singers are merely reflecting reality so if we are serious of dealing with the problem we have to first make some changes to our lifestyle and our lax rules on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
A good starting point is to look to a country like Canada where the rules that govern alcohol ensure that there is control without establishing prohibition.
- Alcohol sales are restricted to exclusive government-run shops that are very strict on who can enter and buy alcoholic beverages
- It is illegal to drive with open alcohol in a vehicle. All drinks must be sealed and placed either in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle, outside of the reach of the driver
- No alcohol can be consumed in a public space unless a special permit has been obtained in advance
- It is an offence to carry open alcohol on public transit or walk with it on the streets
- Underage drinking is strictly enforced; even house parties are regulated
- On special occasions with festivities, Public Transit operates free services for persons who are unable to drive because they have been drinking
- Bars are liable if they fail to restrict the use of alcohol to persons who are clearly intoxicated
That last measure is the one the minister is suggesting as a means to fight back against drunk driving.
It works in Canada because of the very strict regulations. In addition every bar tender must be certified, unlike what happens in Trinidad. What that means is that the person serving alcohol is trained to determine when a customer has had enough and then refuse to serve another drink.
We are a long way from getting there and even if we pass the relevant legislation it cannot work simply because alcohol is too easily available and can be consumed everywhere. How would a law enforcement officer determine where the "offending" drink was purchased?
We can get creative in effecting change and learn to celebrate without alcohol abuse. If we start paying more attention to our attitude to drinking we could save lives both on the roads and at home. Much of the domestic abuse stems from abuse of alcohol.
Mass media help shape mass culture. We can start with new regulations that govern how we present messages about alcohol.
Mass media help shape mass culture. We can start with new regulations that govern how we present messages about alcohol.
In addition, the government can change the rules about licensing bars and rum shops. State alcohol shops like those in Canada could be an option as well. (Think of the revenue it could generate for the state.)
The new government promised change, which too many of us expect to be political change only. Perhaps now is the time for citizens to urge their representatives to look closely at the damage our rum culture is causing to the nation, our families and especially our youth.
We don't have to take draconian measures; we can still have a river lime without everybody getting drunk. How? Make sure that for every vehicle that is at the lime, we have one designated driver. That is an example of how each of us can begin to take personal responsibility.
Our future as a nation depends on taking responsibility for our actions. And that includes the way we treat alcohol. We can change things and still have a great time celebrating Christmas and Carnival and everything else.
Alcohol, like everything else, has its place. And its place is not with our young adults or anyone driving a motor vehicle.
The new government promised change, which too many of us expect to be political change only. Perhaps now is the time for citizens to urge their representatives to look closely at the damage our rum culture is causing to the nation, our families and especially our youth.
We don't have to take draconian measures; we can still have a river lime without everybody getting drunk. How? Make sure that for every vehicle that is at the lime, we have one designated driver. That is an example of how each of us can begin to take personal responsibility.
Our future as a nation depends on taking responsibility for our actions. And that includes the way we treat alcohol. We can change things and still have a great time celebrating Christmas and Carnival and everything else.
Alcohol, like everything else, has its place. And its place is not with our young adults or anyone driving a motor vehicle.
Jai Parasram | 23 May 2012
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