Drinkers should pay

Reported on the front of the Star on September 8, was an article about the cost to the NHS of drink-related treatments and admissions.

An estimated £840,000 a year, at the PRH alone (according to Dr Catherine Woodward). What does this equate to over the country?

It is my contention that this is a self-inflicted injury and the total cost should be recoverable, especially from parents of the underage drinkers, who would then recover this amount by cutting pocket money.

This would make sure that their offspring did not have the wherewithal to enable them to over indulge again, or even to sample. To their elders, the hospital bill would ensure reduced imbibition for a number of weeks at least, and may even wean them of their habit.

This is what happens in the case of a driver and an RTA so why not likewise? Surely this would be good for the NHS the ambulance service, and the police.

It might even wake up a few parents to the antics of their offspring.

Good behaviour and citizenship, manners and language control. It can't all be left to the schools.

W M Crosbie, Sutton Heights