The phrase was part of a sentence which read, "The reduction in the amount of drugs coming into the Island, a campaign to educate the population against the evils of drugs, not just illicit drugs but also alcohol and tobacco, and the provision of rehabilitation programmes, will be a major focus of Government's attention in the coming year.'' If that turns out to be true Bermuda will make some inroads on two killers.

This newspaper is not prohibitionist and is not opposed to the sale of alcohol or tobacco. It is, however, in favour of dispensing both alcohol and tobacco with a conscience.

This newspaper is opposed to the pushing of alcohol and tobacco just as it is opposed to people who push illicit drugs. A drug is a drug and because a drug is legal should not make pushing it any more acceptable. To that end, all promotion of alcohol and tobacco should be banned and any connection between alcohol or tobacco and young people's events or sporting events should be prohibited.

We believe cigarette machines facilitate the use of tobacco by young people and to that end we believe cigarette machines should be banned. Germany, a heavy smoking country, is banning the machines. We also believe that cigarettes should be sold in controlled circumstances, perhaps only in licensed liquor stores.

We must legislate smoke free areas in all buildings used by the public rather than leaving the choice to the occupants of those buildings.

We also believe that Bermuda should follow the lead of many states of the United States and seek restitution from tobacco manufacturers and distributors for the huge costs of medical treatment resulting from tobacco use. If that is not possible, then the tax on cigarettes should be increased to the point where it supports the medical costs.

Where alcohol is concerned, Bermuda should be a great deal more careful where and how it is sold. Alcohol should only be dispensed with concern to prevent drunkenness. There were once plans for a server intervention programme where bartenders and waiters would learn how and when to stop serving customers. It was abandoned in favour of the "moderation'' promotions. That was a mistake because people go on leaving licensed premises and driving drunk thereby endangering us all.

We continue cold beer sales and sales of miniatures from grocery stores to people who are riding and driving vehicles. Yet we know that these are consumed illegally on the roads and the containers wind up as litter.

We believe that stores and most bars are quite good about sales of alcohol to people under 18 years, but not all are. There should be a concerted effort to enforce the drinking age and to enforce licensing hours because more and more premises seem to stay open until the last customer staggers out.

Where alcohol is concerned, clearly we cannot increase the present taxes without pricing already expensive drinks out of the range of visitors. However we should control liquor prices and tax liquor merchants on their profits in order to pay for rehabilitation programmes for alcoholics.

Government's "major focus'' on drugs and alcohol is a move in the right direction and now all Bermuda needs is some action.