Chicago.com
London Parliament is slapping new laws on drinking games and drinking specials this year. For those of you that like to party a little harder than others, you’ll have to learn to say good-bye to “speed drinking competitions”, “beer pong” and “dentist’s chair.” Say ciao to “ladies’nights” girls, or “all you can drink for 10 pounds.” (That’s 16 bucks for those of you who only speak American). Home secretary Alan Johnson said he didn’t want to target responsible drinkers with low incomes, but that the government and the industry had a duty to act on booze-fueled promotions. “These practices have a real impact on society, not to mention the lives of those who just want to enjoy a good night out,” he said. The game that has stirred up the most controversy sparking concern with the nation’s drinking habits is the “dentist’s chair.” This is where drinks are poured directly into your mouth by somebody else. (Sounds like Friday night at Cagneys on Clyborn to me.)
Ireland, on the other hand is doing the exact opposite. Instead of drying people’s hopes for a brighter future, they are in fact hoping to stimulate their own handicapped economy. Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said about 400,000 state workers — a fifth of the country’s work force — will be suffering pay cuts ranging from 5 to 15 percent. Even Prime Minister Brian Cowen will cut his salary a full 20 percent. This is the biggest budget cut in Ireland’s history. In order to boost public morale, Lenihan is seeking to offer a significant tax cut on beer, wine and liquor sales. Smart move if you ask me. Despite Ireland having the highest rate of alcohol consumption among major European nations, sales in pubs and liquor stores represent an exceptionally high percentage of its economic activity.
Lenihan warned pub owners that they must cut their prices on pints of stout and whiskey shots, or suffer the consequences of renewed higher taxes.”I expect the drinks industry to play its part in making the cost of alcohol more competitive. If I find this reduction has not been passed on to the consumer, I will reverse today’s reduction,” he said. London has a lot to learn, take care of the people and the people will take care of you. Let’s hope it works.
Is it just me, or would this never fly in Chicago? Tell me your thoughts. We already have the highest sales tax in the country (10.25%), not to mention a tax on candy and bottled water? Do you think this could this happen here?
Read more about Irelands plan go to
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Deficit-hit+Ireland+slashes+salaries,+welfare+pay-a01612085011ut
English stout
Here is your chance! If you’re like most of America, your eyes have been glued to the show like the rest of Pauly D’s hair that’s gelled to his head since the start of the season. Lumen Nightclub will be throwing a party on Jan. 15th hosted by none other than the MTV’s hit reality show stars Mike “The Situation” and Pauly D. Guests can get their hair gelled at Lumen by stylists from Marianne Strokirk Salons and will receive a gift bag from L. A. Tan. (a.k.a. “swag” for those of you who aren’t with it) If you’ve never seen “Jersey Shore,” here’s the goods in a nut shell: HAIR GEL, TANNING, WORKING OUT, PROTEIN MIX, GETTING JUICED, WHINY ITALIAN GIRLS, AND GETTING SMASHED; I almost left out fist pumps. It’s funny to watch and as entertaining as a trip to my hot dental hygienist. Don’t expect too much though, it’s no Masterpiece Theatre and you may be let down. For a glimpse of the action these guys bring, check out their most recent appearance with classy dame “Snookie” on a recent episode of the Jay Leno Show making complete idiots of themselves.
