Entitlement Cards

Down in Brighton for Labour Party Conference one thing that is noticeable is the large amounts of alcohol used over the weekend and not just by the conference delegates.

Most people are responsible users and are able to have a few drinks and enjoy themselves without causing damage to either others or the local environment.

However not all drinkers and users of other substances are able to handle their use of booze in such a responsible manner the result can be seen in most Accident and Emergency departments every weekend in those suffering from alcoholic poisoning, assaults and drink related accidents taking much needed results out of the NHS which could be used for other purposes.

Prohibition of alcohol like any other drug does not work it was tried in the 1920’s in the US and resulted in the making the likes Al Capone rich men.

For a long time the Government have controlled motorists with system of licences where people enjoy the right and freedom to drive if they conform to certain rules such as not driving whilst drunk and driving at set speeds.

One possible solution could be an entitlement card that people would carry and swipe when every time they buy Alcohol or Tobacco and record their usage.

People who got into trouble for example for say minor crimes drunk and disorderly conduct in public would receive a fixed penalty notice and 3 points on their entitlement card with point disappearing over time for in the same way works on driving licences.
More serious offences would result in endorsements on the entitlement card and the cardholder would not be able to purchase alcohol, tobacco or other drugs available for sale through the entitlement card scheme.

The main benefits of the policy would be reduction in the health care and crime costs associated with use of substances hopefully leading for more better functioning society.