Dear Editor
I have read several letters in the daily newspapers on the proposed restriction on the sale of alcohol in public places. One critique, though in more words, even suggested that the Guyanese economy is likely to grind to a halt due to the 2 am cut-off point on alcohol sales. Others argued that Guyanese folks would be left disadvantaged and devoid of a critical mode of stress relief, glee and happiness, should the proposed restrictions come into effect. It was when a former minister of government joined the fray that I felt compelled to add my views. And as politicians do, when it suits them, he supported the seemingly reflexive expressions of some members of the public. His utterances and those of others left me to ponder: What is the real problem with a 2am halt on alcohol sales?
Every effort must be made through established laws to get the public to understand and adhere to rules and regulations in the interest of public safety, security and perhaps, sanity.
This is true in many developed countries to which we migrate. Social disorder, in all its forms, must be addressed through the laws. In our society, disorder is seen daily in all sections.
A few are noted here: The ease with which people relieve themselves at roadsides in full view of the public (I struggled to explain and rationalize one such situation to my eight-year-old child after we both witnessed a person urinating on a roadside on our way to school); the manner in which people dispose of garbage on roads, in trenches, and anywhere else; the fearless and careless manner in which minibus drivers operate vehicles laden with men, women and children. There is more.
Yet, by all indications, the law prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 2 am is nothing new. I question therefore why it was deemed necessary by the authorities to pass such a law over 50 years ago! Something ‒ a social situation ‒ must have prompted the conceptualization of that piece of legislation. Could it be that the law was necessary to inculcate a higher degree of social order and discipline? And have we now attained a level of such discipline and maturity to allow uncontrolled access to the consumption of alcohol in public places way into the wee hours of the morning? I wonder.
In my view, the 2 am cut-off on alcohol sales has much deeper and more far-reaching implications than some would lead us to believe. It is about regaining respect for law and the restoration of social order; the type of order that will be necessary to tame crime, advance development and rekindle the integrity of a people.
Frankly speaking, I do believe the 2 am cut-off on alcohol sales should not and could not deter me or any group of persons from enjoying life. One simple solution is to start the party much earlier! And if this is such a concern, then ask those countries how they enjoy themselves so immensely when many of their summer festivals and events start as early as 6 pm. I lived in one country where alcohol sales ended abruptly at 1 pm. And people were still happy.
Yours faithfully,
J O Campbell
