Youth and alcohol

Sir, I have recently returned from a search for a suitable congratulation card for our teenage grandchild. It is very difficult to find any card for celebration that does not portray wine glasses — often accompanied by figures of hilarity and comments like “You deserve a drink” or “This drink is on me”, or “Time to party”.

There has been growing concern at the increase of alcohol consumption in this country — one of the highest in Europe — and some of its consequences including binge drinking amongst young people, football hooliganism, crime, antisocial behaviour and ill health.

We should work towards separating celebration from alcohol, especially for young people. This can start in the family, school, the media — and even the card industry.