CONSUMPTION of alcohol is never more in the news it seems than during the festive period.

In the last few days we have seen the announcement by the Scottish Government to reduce the level for drink driving alcohol blood levels to below that of England and Wales.

And at the weekend came news that the Government is planning to scrap laws that prevent minors from purchasing liqueur chocolates, which has concerned some antidrinking bodies.

Today the Daily Echo reports how alcohol is at the heart of a fracas that took place in the New Forest at the weekend. Some 50 youths attending a house party became rowdy and had to be moved on by police. Drink was said to be flowing.

What’s worse, some of the drink appears to have been provided by parents, who were seen dropping off their teenage children at the party venue and handing them bottles of spirits.

At the very least this is not an edifying spectacle. Hopefully those parents will question their actions following reports of how the evening got out of hand.

Alcohol lies at the heart of our society but the way in which we deal with it and impress its dangers on our children will determine how it affects us all.