In other countries where alcohol consumption is accepted, it has often been considered to be in the same category as food and other beverages. There's even been a correlation between the types of alcohol and foods for each region. Here, it's mostly been perceived as a drug (i.e. a recreational pharmaceutical rather than a part of; or, extension of meals). In other countries, alcohol may be administered as a medication and adjunct to treatment in healthcare settings. Here, it's almost never used that way which relegates it to the status of an illicit drug (albeit legal). These differences have been diminishing as changing global socio-economic conditions increase the level of alcohol abuse across the board and others (politicians in particular) find out through cross cultural experience that it's easier to do what we here have always done and stigmatize the substance (alcohol) rather than address the underlying causes for its abuse. These relationships are more apparent to healthcare professionals like wolf who deal in part with the ramifications of these issues.

What sexobon said.

I was going to say that we're more uptight about it. I've been drinking with folks from other countries. You seem to do a lot more of it than we do, and are much more casual about it, and have a far greater capacity to tolerate the booze, as well.

Also, there's a "pub culture" that we do not share in here in the colonies.

hmm.. i'd actually say that israel is moving more towards the american attitude in recent years. the minimum age has being changed from 18 to 21 (to my little sister's despair), and the old jewish rituals of passing the wine now commonly include a "special wine for kids" which is really a glorified and expansive grape-juice in a wine bottle...
i've also read that "drunk and disorderly" charges got someone fired even when they did on their free time (over the weekend), and the court ruled in favor of the employer, so not being allowed to get drunk as a company policy might become more common, apparently its something to do with employee health insurance policies.

still, at least we can still buy beer in the supermarket. in canada it's much worst - you have to go or order from special alcohol licensed stores which usually sell nothing but alcohol. your also not allowed to drink in public (restaurants and bars being the exception).

in america i've noticed it's different from state to state. in Philadelphia you can buy alcohol wherever you want to (and weed... and coke... really i guess i didn't live in the best part of town), while in Washington you need to go to special "alcohol and smokes" store.

No no, the weed and coke you can get anywhere in Philly, but the alcohol is weirdly regulated. booze and wine is only sold in state-owned shops, pubs/bars/taverns can only sell you up to 12 beers at a time, cases of beer are only sold at licensed "beverage distributors".

You can only buy booze from licensed premises here in Australia.

I remember when I went to Bali a few years ago thinking how awesome it was that I could go buy beer from the supermarket.

Maryland is like that.

Japan. Supermarkets, 24 hour convenience stores, vending machines.

I went to two festivals where sake was given out free. Hic.

They really only do one drug, but they do it very enthusiastically.

This is true. My ex was the bar manager at the country club and the japanese members (we have a lot of Honda plants and a warehouse in the area) could put some beer away!

They'd smoke powdered badger testicles if ya told 'em to.

Well who wouldn't? You holding? :lol:

Yebbut, I ain't giving it away.

pssssst. how much for the badger balls dude?

I don't know if this applies, or even true, but we thought we saw
it actually happen during business trips in several cities of Japan.

We were told that "after work" gatherings with the boss were part of normal business,
and excess alcohol was permitted or encouraged because
it permitted underlings to say all sorts of things to their overlings.

On a couple of occasions, I felt there was some "fake" drinking going on,
followed by remarks to the boss that could have otherwise been career-enders.

Custom then required that nothing be remembered or amiss at work the next day.
All was ignored on assumption that any improprieties were alcohol-induced.

I think it was a very good system for communication with the boss.

If you have to ask, you can't afford it.

:D

I gotta go.

'S coming up on powdered badger testicle time...

:joint: