Truly British

As I've mentioned in this space previously, the UK is a pretty unhealthy country. People universally drink to excess, they smoke like they're living in Seoul, and they generally don't take much care of themselves. Well, good news - the Brits have devised a solution to the rampant alcohol problem that has engulfed the country.

Drum roll, please...

Let the pubs stay open 24 hours a day.

Yes, you read that right. The Brits think that flooding the market with booze is the most likely way to reduce consumption. Or somebody does, because the law is set to change in 11 months and the police and hospitals are already gearing up for it.

Now, to someone's credit (I have yet to determine who was actually behind this change - aside from the obvious pub industry), there is a decent argument to be had. Brits seem to drink with reckless abandon because they only have until 11 pm. Once the bell rings, you either go home or to a club (which will cost you from £5-20 just to get in). So, the theory is that allowing pubs to stay open later will slow down the pace of consumption, especially around 11; there will no longer be a mad dash to get the last few pints in before they shut the doors.

And this is a serious problem. "Overindulgence" of booze is a huge drain on the British economy. While the pubs are making billions (and lining the tax coffers along the way), the human costs are vast, as indicated by the estimated £1.7 in medical costs alone. But to me, the most revealing statistic is this one: Alcoholism costs this country £6.4 BILLION in lost business production annually. Think about that. I like to say that in the US we call them hangovers, but in the UK they're called mornings. Sadly, my little joke isn't much of a joke as it is an accurate description of the UK.

Will the change reduce consumption like the nation's foremost alcoholic (and driving force behind this legislation) Tony Blair believes? Unlikely at best; no chance at worst. Both Ireland and Australia have already instituted the 24 hour system and both nations have seen huge increases in consumption. Which makes perfect sense, really. If the pub is open longer, people will stay longer. The police here in the UK are peeved about this change because it's likely to increase drunkenly conduct, accidents, and alcohol related illness.

Of course, I'm really just worried about something that isn't being talked about: the erosion of the universal standard of closure. Under the present system, you just know that the pub closes at 11 (1030 on Sunday's). But what is going to happen come November? Not only will people be getting pissed, but they'll no longer have any idea when the pub closes. On top of that, the already crowded night bus system will see greater use because the Tube closes at Midnight.

I shouldn't worry, however, as my visa expires October 31st. Unless something miraculous happens (re: employment), I'll be headed back to the land of milk and honey...Still, score one for the not-so Labour Party. Big business wins the day again apparently, at the expense of a nation that can only be said to be in decline.