Chris Maclean: Turkey's don't vote for Christmas

I am trying to get a grip on the problem of excessive drinking which has been highlighted recently. For my part I see nothing new in drinking huge amounts.

I played rugby for many years, drank heavily and was ejected from many of the pubs in a neighbouring town because my "loutish" behaviour was so appalling. I say this with no particular pride you understand. But it does help me to anticipate bad behaviour in here ~ but I see nothing new in the problem.

But it is suggested that the levels of consumption now are so worrying, because of the social impact of the drunks and the health issues associated with it, that something needs to be done to reduce consumption ~ and there lies the problem.

In common with all retail businesses we have manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and the outlets themselves all dedicated to increasing sales. But we retail a product that, consumed in excess over a period of time, causes huge problems.

If consumption is to be reduced the only option is to sell less. Twenty years ago most outlets sold their products with a reasonable GP. With the advent of longer hours it became possible for new outlets to sell huge quantities at a lower GP. The inevitable consequence of this is the realisation that our whole industry is dedicated to the maximum sales of alcohol possible. This isn't going to be relinquished lightly.

So how could a government set out to reduce the volume of sales? I cannot see them relinquishing the new Licensing Act. That would question their credibility. But I can see a causal link between increased hours and increased consumption.

It might target younger drinkers by raising the minimum age. This has been widely suggested in the press. But many of the problems are being caused by under-aged drinkers now so this seems a little odd.

It might seek to raise the levels of duty on alcohol, and I suspect it is probable that the Chancellor will hit alcohol hard in the next Budget, but may once again encourage smuggling.

Whatever way I look at it there seems little likelihood that the industry would willingly volunteer to reduce their sales volumes. Turkeys don't vote for Christmas. Why should the licensed trade?

But if it does happen ~ if, somehow, we are to sell less and survive, maybe the industry would be a better place for everyone.