Drink Responsibly

Just noticed this notice today outside the Cafe at the Parade shops. It says: "PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY, If you don't officers may confiscate alcohol and issue fines." Very authoritative isn't it? White letters on a black background.

Normally signs like this specify that they are talking about a particular area. Presumably this one means the pavements around the shops. We have some good friends who like to sit on the wall near this sign and drink all day. But their goal is not to get intoxicated. It is to stay intoxicated and avoid the dreadful prospect of withdrawal. Most of the time they are quiet and timid - particularly when they have a can that is more full than empty.

Perhaps this sign is aimed at the whole Blacon neighbourhood. Imagine that for a minute. Police officers breaking into homes and bars where people are 'drinking irresponsibly' and confiscating their booze. :-/

I am not saying I am happy about people binge drinking anywhere. Especially if it leads to agressive or intimidating behaviour. But surely our responsibility to deal with these symptoms of our community shouldn't mean putting great big 'you shall not' signs everywhere.

'Responsibility', of course, hints at 'moral obligation'. Being responsible for or to someone or something. It's an obligation to behave in a certain way. Usually a way that benefits others.

From time to time our friends who sit on the wall come into Cafe Life (in the photo background) to use the toilet. That's good isn't it? Better than peeing in a hidden doorway anyway. It gets better... Sometimes they come in and have a sit and a chat. Read a paper. Have a cuppa. Sometimes we ask them how they are doing and pray for them if they have pain.

One of the most poignant expressions of 'behaving in a way that considers others' (being responsible) I know of, is when on Christmas day staff from the Cafe make a full Christmas dinner for anyone who wants to come and celebrate the day together. Free of charge. Presents and games included (all courtesy of other people's generosity). I was told that this last Christmas Day 'nobody wanted to go home'! All kinds of different local people join together, including our friends from the wall, to celebrate the saviours birth with food and good company.

It irritates me that the local authorities have resorted to posting this bleak looking and very negative, legalistic statement over the centre of my community. I applaud the local Police for the great work they do with community engagement but this kind of sign is a backward step to redefining Blacon as a place of hope, creativity and friendship.