Alcohol causes enough harm

Re. “Council looks to loosen liquor store regulations in downtown core only,” Oct. 3

What is council thinking ? Alcohol poisoning, alcohol withdrawal, liver disease, chronic alcohol abuse and other conditions that are “100 per cent caused by the harmful consumption of alcohol” accounted for about 77,000 admissions, according to a report released Thursday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).

In fact, the Public Health Agency of Canada says alcohol is a leading cause of injury and death in Canada.

For instance, in 2014-2015, the average cost for hospitalization that was entirely caused by alcohol was estimated at $8,100, compared to the average hospital stay for other causes at $5,800.

Taking into account law enforcement, lost productivity as well as prevention and research initiatives, the estimated total cost of alcoholrelated harm in Canada was more than $14 billion.

On the other hand, council has established draconian laws regarding smoking. How many children have been killed on the highway because of smoking versus drunk driving ? How many children cower in fear of physical abuse by a smoker versus a drunk parent?

How many children have been sexually exploited by a smoker versus a drunk? How many children live in a one-parent home because of smoking versus alcoholism? Ann Lewis, Edmonton