BREAKING NEWS: Almost 30 young people were admitted to Letterkenny General Hospital suffering from alcohol-related problems in just one night following a 99 cent drinks promotion.
The promotion, which took place at a premises in Letterkenny, has been slammed by the Lord Mayor of Letterkenny, Cllr Gerry McMonagle.
Figures released by the Health Service Executive show that 26 people were brought to Letterkenny General Hospital suffering from the effects of alcohol on Wednesday night last.
Many of those admitted to hospital revealed how they had consumed shots of alcohol which were on offer for just 99 cent each.
Mayor McMonagle has said that he is both alarmed and concerned at the affect of low price alcohol is having on young people.
He said “I would appeal to those involved in selling alcohol to act responsibly and not to go down the road of cheap drink promotions.
“I feel these promotions will only increase our binge drinking culture which will lead to long term health problems for those who avail of cheap alcohol,” he said.
He added said the figures released by the HSE should act as a wake up call to us all, but especially to those in the drink trade.
“It’s important that Vintners and others who sell alcohol look at the dangerous consequences of selling alcohol at seriously low promotional prices.
“I would appeal to those involved in selling alcohol to act responsibly and not to go down the road of cheap drink promotions. I feel these promotions will only increase our binge drinking culture which will lead to long term health problems for those who avail of cheap alcohol”
Cllr McMonagle said he supported the Vintners Federation of Irelands call during the summer for a minimum price for alcohol.
“This was a very positive move and one I believe if adopted would go a long way in preventing binge drinking, but we need more,” he said.
Garda Inspector Kevin Gately recently warned about the dangers of cheap alcohol promotions leading to public order offences across Co Donegal.
Eamon O’Kane, Director of the North West Alcohol Forum, also slammed he low-cost selling of alcohol in Letterkenny.
“Whilst everyone sympathises with the economic pressures facing many alcohol retailers, stock must be taken of the consequences of dangerous promotion.
“I recently presented to Letterkenny Town Council on the need for strategic management of the night-time economy.
“The experience of front line staff in the Emergency Department further evidences this need. The Alcohol Forum remains committed to working with all local stakeholders to address this issue.”
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