Drinks cheap but social costs high: doctors

A group of doctors in Halifax is calling on the province to set minimum drink prices this holiday season.

The physicians at Dalhousie University Health Services say they're tired of dealing with alcohol-related injuries.

"There's a lot of evidence in our clinic that we see people after nights when there are the cheap drink nights.The students tell us where they're going to drink," said Dr. Katherine Robinson.

Robinson is one of 10 doctors who signed a letter to the local MLA describing how they regularly see the effects of overdrinking, which include:

• Physical injury either from accidents or from assaults.
• Sexual assaults.
• Unplanned pregnancy.
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Alcohol poisoning, including severe hangovers.

Preyra, the New Democrat MLA for Halifax Citadel, said $1 drinks may be cheap for students, but the costs for the community are high.

"In effect, the taxpayers and the communities are bearing the burden of that excess," he said.

Dalhousie student union president Courtney Larkin expects some students on tight budgets would hate to see the discount drinks disappear.

"We do pay the highest tuition in Canada here at Dalhousie, so every dollar counts. And so some students will be upset and others will see the benefit," Larkin said.

Cheap drinks were cited as fuel for a big brawlinvolving dozens of people outside a downtown bar late last year.

The Dome lost its liquor licence for a few days. The suspension was lifted afterthebarpromised to drop its $1-a-drink special and beef up security.

Anotherbar in Halifax continues to advertise $1 drinks.

A government committee struck to look into the issue of high-risk drinking recommended that bars be required to charge at least $2.50 for a shot of liquor or a beer.

The province responded by saying it wouldn't set a minimum drink price for bars.