They need to encourage more people to do more things!!!
They? Who are �they�? I presume you mean the government? Other people have mentioned the government too, but I can�t see how - or why - anyone can, or should, lay the blame at the door of this government, or any other government. That�s a cop out, and it�s an excuse. No one is forcing alcohol down our throats, and ultimately we must all take responsibility for ourselves. We have an unhealthy culture in this country where drinking is concerned. Some people appear to see drinking to excess as rather clever, or cool, and actually go out intending to get drunk - and unless they succeed, they don�t feel that they�ve enjoyed themselves. Laws can�t cure the problem. No law can alter someone�s mindset, and that�s what needs to be changed. It�s been done with drinking and driving, and it�s been done with smoking - both are now generally frowned upon - and if the same could be done with alcohol misuse and abuse, possibly by highlighting the dangers of drunkenness, and the lack of dignity and self-respect that drunkenness espouses, then the culture may begin to change.
(Vic, I think I might be agreeing with you here to some extent! Is it time to pop the champagne, or shall we wait and see?) :o)