Let the punters hold the licence to buy

All this talk of Challenge 21, Challenge 25 - did I read somewhere that someone suggested Challenge 30 (??) I have a suggestion that may just solve the problem of under-age purchases.

Just think for a moment:

You, the individual, have to have a licence to drive a car.

You, the individual, have to have a licence to watch TV.

You, the individual, have to have a licence to go river-fishing.

You, the individual, have to have a licence to fly a plane.

You, the individal, have to have a licence to own a gun.

You, the individual, have to have a licence (a passport) to travel abroad.

Maybe, just maybe, one day you, the individual, will have to have a licence to BUY alcohol.

So, not that we, the beleaguered staff in the drinks trade have to have a licence to sell, but that Joe Public has to have a licence to BUY.

Joe Public would have to prove to the appropriate issuing authority that he is a fit and proper person to buy alcohol.

Maybe I'm just dreaming, but maybe, one day.

Trevor Owen, manager,

The Vineyard,

Douglas,

Isle of Man