While American leftists have praised Europe for their taxpayer-funded healthcare and pushed for similar policies in the United States, its execution has created complicated consequences for these governments and their citizens.
In England — known internationally for its bar and pub culture — the Labour Party is considering limiting operational hours in an effort to curb alcohol related visits to the National Health Service (NHS). Alcohol consumption is linked to over 60 health ailments.
Breitbart News reports:
Pubs are apparently in the crosshairs for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government, with Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne is said to have told ministers that Downing Street is considering plans that would see a “tightening up the hours of operation” of bars and pubs.
The move has been wildly and predictably unpopular among British voters, and has garnered a dramatic and vocal reaction online.
Right wing politician and Brexit leader Nigel Farage responded to the reports saying, “Labour are middle class, middle managers who don’t drink in pubs. Their Red Wall supporters will come to Reform.”
Some argue that the proposal won’t actually curb drinking, but instead drive customers to drink at home at a much lower cost, and ultimately be ineffective in curbing the alcohol-related hospital burden. Readers should also note that Britain saw its highest level of alcohol-related deaths in 20 years during coronavirus lockdowns, where drinkers were prohibited from going to bars and were confined to their homes.
Despite the industry continuing to struggle in the wake of draconian coronavirus lockdowns, on top of the already onerous regulations and high taxes levied against them by the state, Gwynne argued that placing further limits on pubs would cut down on anti-social behaviour and reduce burden on the National Health Service (NHS), The Telegraph reports.
The broadsheet quoted the public health minister as saying that the current state of Britain’s health was “morally reprehensible” and that “bluntly there isn’t enough money” to pay for socialised care for alcohol related illnesses. Gwynne attempted to claim that the move would not mean that the Labour government was the “fun police” or a “supernanny” state.
The push to limit pub hours comes amid a broader attack on the British institution, with Prime Minister Starmer pushing to ban smoking tobacco in beer gardens or outside pubs, which industry insiders warn will have a major impact on the bottom line of establishments.
The British government has also considered shrinking the size of their pint glasses to curb alcohol consumption (and related hospital visits). A university professor conducted a test in a dozen bars, pubs and restaurants in England using smaller glasses that led to a 10% reduction in beer sold and consumed.
