British Plan for Kids Drinking Alcohol, Ages 5 and Up

(UK) Instead of prosecuting parents for letting their youngsters drink alcohol, as was planned by Health Secretary Alan Johnson and Children's Secretary Ed Balls, the British government is preparing official guidelines for parents to introduce their children, ages five and up, to a sensible approach to drinking.

Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson is drawing up a series of recommendations, which will include how much alcohol parents can safely give to their children.

Presumably, the scheme will be comprised of a graduated scale linked to the age of the child. For example, in the 5 to 8 years old bracket, no more than one daily shot of vodka or the equivalent will be allowed. In the 9 to 12 years old bracket, we should expect to see two daily shots of vodka or equivalent and for those 13 years old and up, three shots of vodka daily would be allowed.

Critics object to the government getting involved with child drinking regulations, saying it's just another "nanny state" initiative whereby the British government is continually trying to dictate every conceivable aspect of human behavior.

Meanwhile in related news, alcohol-related deaths among young people have risen 57 percent in the last 15 years and hospital admissions of young people with liver disease have more than doubled.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.