Responsible Drinking

Sadly I am guessing that few people will read this section.  Instead they will read the title and think they know it all – this is a shame.

Responsible drinking is not simply ‘do not become drunk’ or ‘don’t drink and drive’.  Ok both these points are worth saying but there is much more to it.

Responsible drinking allows you to get the most out of your drink without spoiling it for yourself or others.  This does not always mean the extreme but can also mean saying the wrong thing or loosing car keys.  Most people have amusing drunken stories but in reality they come at a cost. 

There was a time when the Scottish whisky industry practised ‘dramming’.  This meant that the workers would be give raw spirit as part of the daily work.  The amount varied and was often supplemented by ‘extras’.  Frequently workers would get drunk and whilst there are those who said that it did no harm and that people looked out for each other there are those who disagreed.  A distillery is a place of volatile liquids, heat and heavy objects and there is good reason why the practice was stopped.  As the legend Jim McEwan reports there were children and women who lost their fathers and husbands due to coming home late and under the influence.

Yes there are funny stories but there are also stories of ruined and lost lives.  Be careful and be prepared.  Drink water or soft drinks between whiskies, eat food, plan ahead.  Keep to a limited budget and keep belongings safe.  Have a sober friend but do not rely entirely on them.  Guns never hurt anyone it is the people that use them that do that, the same goes for whisky, it is the abuse and misuse that causes damage.  Let your hair down, enjoy yourself but remember that that the responsibility is yours and with each drink the potential for sound judgement is reduced.

I would also raise the question of what is the point of paying £150 for a glass of whisky that you will not remember in the morning?

I would recommend a visit to - http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/