Know someone selling alcohol to under 18's?

My friends at Scotland Crimestoppers have joined forces with drinks giant Diageo to combat the problem of alcohol being served to young people under the age of 18.

The ground-breaking initiative aims to crack down on adults who buy booze for youngsters and to stop those who purposely sell drink to young people under 18 who make money for themselves without thinking of the consequences. The four-week campaign comes after a study carried out by Fife Alchohol Partnership found that a quarter of school pupils in Fife reported to binge drinking.

I might enjoy the odd glass of sangria with my dinner, but binge drinking is a different topic altogether. For one, there are the health implications associated, particularly for young people. And it can of course leave young people vulnerable to all sorts of unsavoury characters who target those who've had a few too many.

Find out more about the campaign on the Crimestoppers website.

What has the world come to when binge drinkers are called martyrs?

A police chief in China has claimed that one of his officers, who died after a drinking session with him at a banquet, is a martyr because he died in the line of duty.

Lo escandaloso – what a scandal! The police chief made the claim so that the man’s relatives would be eligible for more compensation. They would apparently be entitled to $95,000 if their dead relative was hailed a martyr.

It’s a sad fact that alcohol poisoning in China is not uncommon. What’s more, there have been several instances reported of similar deaths at other government-funded banquets. Nevertheless, I believe that it is entirely wrong for the authorities to call a man a martyr after dying in such circumstances, however sad or awful. Surely that is not only condoning drinking while on duty, but glamorising it as well?

I personally never drink while on duty, nor while riding my horse, Gonzo - and would urge others to follow my example. Apparently, there are 50 times more deaths every year from drinking in the UK than there are from illegal drugs. Drink-driving is also a particular problem at this time of year.

Por favor mi amigos – enjoy your sangria in moderation and take responsibility for your actions. And if you know someone who’s a drink-driver – contact Crimestoppers anonymously before they hurt themselves or someone else.

Feliz Navidad – Merry Christmas my friends and be safe.