RESPECTFULLY write to you as a voluntary worker. I work with senior citizens, children and vulnerable people, and also promote kindness to animals and the environment.
I have many concerns with regard to the abuse of alcohol and tobacco products being sold to under-age children and the effect it has on their lives from addiction and unwanted pregnancies to bullying, vandalism, crime etc.
There is on old saying: 'Fair criticism' which means you can't criticise anything until you put something in its place.
One idea is a registration card that enables you to purchase alcohol and tobacco from off licenses and supermarkets etc. This registration card would be as simple to use as the card that is used to top up your mobile phone. This would prevent the sale of alcohol and tobacco being sold to children or people who may be violent or causing a nuisance in the community.
It would benefit the shopkeeper not having to ask for identity; it would cut down on policing and community crime, preventing gangs of people drinking on corners or parks.
It would also benefit the National Health Service reducing accident and emergency calls, also smoking and alcohol-related diseases.
The money that would be saved could be reinvested for entertainment and sport for children and youths. Your opinions would be appreciated. – MacKenzie (address supplied).