Returning to the thread -
The response of many AB'ers - echoing the response of large parts of the population, shows a difference in attitude to drugs of choice.
Alcohol and nicotine are drugs that are woven into the fabric of our society with lengthy histories behind both.
They are 'respectable' drugs, unlike cannabis and heroin which are seen as 'criminal' drugs, with attendant sub-cultures of violence and anti-social reputations.
But if you take an objective look at them as drugs, and ignore the social context, you can reach a consensus of opinion that examines the effects of each in terms of society as a whole.
Taking that viewpoint, alcohol is a far worse and more damaging drug than cannabis or heroin, and it should be controlled at least as tightly, if not more so, given the pervasive effects it has on society as a whole in terms of long term health damage, with attendant strains on an already stretched health service.
On that basis - introducing prohibitive costs to lift alcohol out of the reach of those least able to control their consumption seems an eminently sensible idea.
To those who complain that they are being 'penalised' - you need to assess your pleasure for what it is, and adapt accordingly.
Your drug of choice is such that, were it introduced into society today, it would potentially be a Class A drug in view of its potential for addiction, and documented effects of violence among excessive users.
In a modern society, it is a responsible approach to concede that your drug is dangerous, and as such, should be limited, and if you wish to indulge in it, then you have no right to insist that is cheaply available to you, when that availability is damaging society as a whole.
If you are a 'moderate' drinker, then the price rise will not unduly affect you - if it does, then you need to examine your intake and adjust accordingly.
Drugs are nasty things folks, just because they have always been around doesn't mean that's it's not high time we made some adjustments in our outlook, and our ways of controlling them.