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Despite claims that Britain is slipping into a culture of binge-drinking, an academic has pointed out that the practice has been common since the early 1700s.

Peter Borsay, a researcher at Aberystwyth University, said that claims that problem drinking is indicative of a broken society are no different now to in the 18th century, with the main difference being the media hype surrounding the issue today.

Publishing his argument in a paper entitled 'Binge drinking and moral panics: historical parallels?' the professor insisted that media, public and political concern about problem drinking is not new.

"At first glance, the parallels between the 18th century gin craze and contemporary binge-drinking appear striking.

"But it is not drinking behaviour that merits the comparison, but the moral panics that characterised both periods, fuelled by pressure groups, the media and perceptions of government complacency," he told the BBC.

Professor Borsay noted that the 18th century gin craze was brought under control by increased tax and licensing fees and restrictions on retail outlets.

"No doubt concerted action by the government and police could bring a similar end to binge-drinking today, but whether this would produce an overall drop in alcohol consumption and other social problems and a more disciplined and conformist youth remains questionable," he concluded.

The government in Scotland is attempting to bring binge-drinking under control by preventing cut-price alcohol offers in retail outlets, it was announced last week.

Article published on 18/09/2007 by DryOutNow.com

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