as they were last Wednesday during a debate in the Senate.

This newspaper has often been criticised, especially by the liquor cartel, for suggesting that liquor should be dispensed with a social conscience and with due regard to its impact on neighbourhoods. It has suggested that Bermuda should continue dispensing alcohol but should stop pushing alcohol. In other words, this newspaper has been criticised for suggesting a sensible and caring approach to the sale and consumption of alcohol.

In the Senate last Wednesday, during debate on the blood alcohol limit for drunk driving, Senate President the Hon. Albert Jackson seemed to be agreeing with The Royal Gazette when he told the Senate that perhaps too much had been done to make alcohol available for sale and that he was not advocating the recall of licences but urged caution in issuing more licences.

This newspaper agrees totally with that. Clearly new licences would have to be granted for such premises as new hotels and in some other specialised instances. However alcohol is dispensed as a public service and most neighbourhoods seem to us to be adequately supplied. If you want a drink, you can get one.

We have noticed that there is an application advertised for a licence for the Enterprise Grocery at Bailey's Bay, a store which has been closed for some time. In the past, the area of Bermuda around the Enterprise Grocery has been a source of great social concern. Given the impact a previous licence had on that area, and the fact that problems could be directly attributed to the consumption of alcohol, we think very serious thought should be given to granting a new licence. The area has been much improved of late and seems to us to be part of what Government is attempting to beautify as an attractive gateway to Bermuda and it would be a great shame for the residents, for visitors to the Bermuda Perfumery and for passersby to have it deteriorate once again.

Independent Senator Norma Astwood quite correctly pointed out to the Senate the dangers of alcohol by saying that if alcohol were a new substance today it would probably never be allowed to be sold. That is exactly why we have to be careful how we dispense alcohol.

The Senate debate was confused by PLP Senator Trevor Woolridge's fantasy suggestion that there should be an outright alcohol ban. Senator Woolridge gave no consideration to Bermudians who exercise freedom to drink or to the fact that Bermuda is a tourist resort with enough problems now.

People should always be very cautious when considering statements made by Senator Woolridge and that has been pointed out this week by hotelier Mr. W.A.

(Toppy) Cowen who said: "Perhaps he has some brilliant idea on how we would be able to offer suitable employment for a few thousand people whose income is derived from the sale of alcoholic spirits.'' Mr. Cowen said he was astounded to hear Sen. Woolridge call for the ban in the Upper House.

During a debate, Sen. Woolridge said: "We may want to consider making alcohol illegal and thereby removing it from our shelves ... I certainly would have no objection to alcohol being made illegal.'' Mr. Cowen pointed out: "There are at least 30 hotels with bars, more than 50 clubs, several dozen grocery and liquor stores and other outlets that sell alcoholic beverages.

"Could he be suggesting that all those bartenders, waiting staff, truck drivers, sales people and shipping companies make their staff redundant?'' As we see it, sensible behaviour should prevail when considering alcohol.

Bermuda should behave reasonably and recognise the dangers of alcohol while accepting the needs and the rights of individuals. We should protect freedoms but we should protect neighbourhoods. We should behave responsibly and with a conscience.