Are liberal drinking habits the way to a more balanced alcohol culture? ‘s Brussels correspondent Rikhard Husu reflects on the differences and similarities between Belgian and Finnish drinking habits.
In a densely populated country, there is a beer offering for every taste: from light wheat beers to sour lambics made with wild yeasts.
According to an old Flemish proverb wine is not good unless it makes its drinker happy. The wisdom also applies to today’s Belgium, where communal drinking culture is an integral part of everyday life and celebration.
The drinking culture can be described as typically continental. Wine and beer are mainly seen as food drinks, which are consumed at once in moderation.
There are hardly any restrictions on the sale of alcohol in Belgium. Beer, wine and spirits can be bought at any time of the day. If the store is far away, beer and wine can be ordered through a courier service.
The age limits are according to European standards exceptionally low (you switch to another service). The background is the idea that excesses and problems are avoided by gradually allowing alcohol consumption in socially acceptable settings such as cafes and restaurants.
It’s true that for heavy drinking comes across less often in Belgium than in Finland. However, Central European drinking habits also take their toll.
Of course, problems related to excessive one-time drinking also occur in Belgium. Four municipalities in French-speaking Wallonia banned the use of alcohol in connection with scout camps this summer after problems related to excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcohol use and its mild effects are not limited to young people, de Duve reminds. That is why it is unreasonable that alcohol consumption by young people is raised to the extreme.
What thoughts did the story evoke in you? Is the age limit of 16 years suitable for alcohol products or too low? You can discuss the topic until Tuesday evening 19.7. until 11 p.m.