Madam, - Sinéad Shannon's views on alcohol advertising deserve support ("Alcohol advertising code simply does not work", Opinion & Analysis, October 8th).
As a family doctor I am constantly reminded in my daily work of the futile waste of human potential reaked in Irish society by alcohol, and in particular the damage to teenagers and young adults. Advertising and promotional activities under a voluntary code serve only to strengthen that pervasive and harmful influence. The time for a voluntary code of practice is long gone. The seriousness of our situation calls for effective legislation.
The grim statistics on road fatalities, suicides, needless pressure on hospital casualty departments and the general damage to our society demand a united approach from the political parties to face down the powerful vested interests of the alcohol industry. At a time of deserved public cynicism and apathy about politicians a united approach to this public health issue would gain them deserved praise from society.
The success of the smoking ban should encourage timid politicians to stick their necks out on this occasion. Society deserves better than the satisfaction of the powerful alcohol lobby. - Yours, etc,
Dr PASCAL O'DEA, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow.
Madam, - We gave a lead to the rest of the world with the ban on smoking in public places. Other countries are following suit. Might not the same happen if we banned the advertising of alcohol? - Yours, etc,
PAUL O'BRIEN, Bertram Court, Dublin, 8.