Alcopops Nightmare

The Police have warned that under-age drinking has reached nightmare proportions because of trendy 'alcopops' -- alcoholic drinks which taste like ordinary fizzy drinks. Recently two new products reached our shops. Firstly, there was Moo -- chocolate, strawberry and banana flavour alcoholic milk shakes. Then came Boozy Bars -- a new range of sweets which taste like certain alcoholic drinks -- vodka and orange, lager and lime, etc.

Greed

There are five lessons which we can learn from these developments. Firstly, we learn that: "The love of money is the root of all evil" (1Tim.6:10). In order to make more money the drinks companies have chosen to aim their product at an easy target -- the teenage population. This root of the drink companies' greedy love for greater profits is now producing a most evil and bitter fruit in many young lives. The drinks companies are impatient for young people's trade and will use any magnet to get our pounds out of our pockets and into their tills.

Cruelty

Secondly, the drinks industry is exposed as a ruthless and cruel exploiter of young people -- some very vulnerable and impressionable. Having ruined many an adult life, the drinks companies now seem intent on ruining many young lives too. One alcoholism counsellor said: "Boozy Bars are totally immoral. These sweets are clearly aimed at very young children, because 18-25 year olds don't suck rock". One Member of Parliament, Nigel Griffiths, said that Moo was "a sinister and cynical development".

Deceit

Thirdly, we learn much about the Devil -- the mastermind behind these dangerous products. The Devil rarely paints sin in all its hideous colours. Usually he paints it in an attractive or a harmless guise. In this case, the bitter taste of alcohol is covered up by sweet tasting fizzy drinks. The sad consequences of alcohol abuse are hidden by humorous product names like Hooch, Two Dogs and Stun Cola Blitz. Dangerous alcoholic spirits are marketed as an innocent stick of children's rock. Alcohol Concern spokesman Mark Bennet said of Moo: "It beggars belief. To spike a healthy children's drink, like milk-shakes, with alcohol will inevitably lead to even more underage drinking".

Addiction

Fourthly, these products illustrate the way sin develops in our lives. Very rarely do we fall into serious sin suddenly and unexpectedly. Usually sin begins small, then gradually develops, and grows into an addictive habit. It is the same with alcohol. Sergeant Malcolm Gibbs said: "Alcopops are a natural progression for youngsters who are used to orange squash, Cola or Fanta. Research shows that alcopops are a gateway into taking drinks with an even higher alcoholic level".

Death

Fifthly, "Sin when it is finished brings forth death" (Jas.1:15). Dr James Inglis of the Scottish Health Education Board said: "There is clear medical evidence of a dramatic increase in the number of young people misusing alcohol and ending up in hospital". Tayside Police say Alcopops are leading to widespread youth crime and disorder. Some areas of our cities and villages have become no-go areas due to alcohol-related violence among teenagers.

Prayer

Our daily prayer for ourselves and our friends should be: "Lead us not into temptation". And, if you or your friends have given in to the seductive attractions of Alcopops, pray: "Deliver us from evil" (Matt.6:13). May God hear us and answer our prayers. Remember, Jesus saves.