We have a terrible problem in Western Australia.

Particulalrly in our remote and regional areas like the vast north-west.

I'm referring to alcohol abuse and the resultant epedemic levels of chronic disease like obesity, diabetes, cancer and, of course, domestic and other types of alcohol-fuelled violence.

State and Fedral Governments have tried in vain to tackle the problem which sees mostly Aboriginal people (though many non-Aboriginal people also abuse alcohol and other drugs across the State) suffering a 17-year shorter lifespan on average than non-Aboriginal people.

Here's an idea.

What about a 'Drinker's License'? One that had photo ID on it for proof of age and one that could be suspended or cancelled if the holder misbehaved of needed to be kept away from alcohol for other reasons.

If it was manadorty to produce a valid card to buy alcohol anywhere at all - in pubs and bottleshops - this would eliminate under-age drinking in hotels.

If the cards could also be (electronically) graduated for the amount one was licensed to buy (a system of demerits might be devised so that abusers or anti-social people could buy less and less, to nothing if they failed to stop), this would stop people with valid cards from buying large quantities for other non-card holders.

In the past Governments have imposed total alcohol bans on whole communities and this has had some (limited) affect. However, that approach unfairly penalises people in the community who do not abuse alcohol. These people should be able to buy grog while problem drinkers should not.

This idea might also woprk in regulating cigarette sales and other goods (like pharmacy drugs etc).

Hey, I'm the last one to want a nanny state imposed on us but, since all else has failed in this issue, maybe all of us should take up this idea in the greater good?

No card, no grog. Get out of line, lose your card and your drinking rights along with it.

Cheers4Now!