I just read this idea in the comments of an op-ed piece (http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/organised-crime-is-out-of-control-20091026-hgm4.html) and think it has huge merits:

Putting drug users on a licence that functioned like a drivers licence in that points were deducted for anti-social behaviour under the influence, with the loss of a licence resulting in mandatory treatment in a residential drug treatment facility, would give the general public peace of mind.

I think this could be applied to drinking easily, like if you pick a fight in a taxi rank in the valley bang lost your drinking licence for 6mths, pass out in a park, well that's really only worth a point maybe 2, glass someone at the Colmslie sorry buddy even when you're out of prison you've been suspended from drinking in licenced venues for 2yrs anyway.

points were deducted for anti-social behaviour under the influence

That seems entirely fair, so long as it was only anti-social behaviour and not just the mere possession causes the loss of "points".

I've never created a single problem for anyone else as a result of my drug use, so I have nothing to worry about.

pass out in a park, well that's really only worth a point maybe 2,

I don't believe so.

Fighting and glassing don't belong anywhere near sleeping in a public place, you really have to seperate victimless crimes from violent/antisocial crimes.

last edited by CHUB at 10:46:46 27/Oct/09

how about just ban alcohol everywhere, all together
it kills more people than marijuana

lets all get high instead.

Let's not.

Where would one purchase a 'spandex pant license'?

LMAO Hogfather.

An elephant never forgets.

And by starting this thread you've clearly indicated that you're an elephant.

points were deducted for anti-social behaviour under the influence

Going to need someone who's going to police this.

Which ruins the point, because if they can police it then they should just lock them up overnight.

I blame not enough police locking people up overnight. (and not enough police)

i would dig seeing a photo ID for a drinking license

I blame not enough police locking people up overnight. (and not enough police)

My bro was locked up overnight for chatting to a security guard while taking a piss. He said, "Having a good night?". Security guard booted him from the club for being drunk. Bro tried to get back in to let mates know, security called cops, lock-up for you, sunshine.

Here I'll fix my statement "Police need to lock up more people overnight WHO DESERVE IT" :)

This sounds like an interesting idea. I wonder if this would eventually lead to things like employers requiring you to forfiet your drinking/drug license to gain employment in certain jobs.

Hah we did this topic back in 2005!

I'm sure habitual drug users/abusers would love this scheme because it basically just lets them not have any real accountability for their actions, but for the rest of us it sounds sort of completely and utterly silly!

Interesting trog - back in that thread you said:

That's a neat idea

Not having a go - genuinely curious as to what prompted the 180..last edited by Hogfather at 11:00:56 27/Oct/09

then I wrote "though" and listed all the problems with it. I guess in four years I have more of an appreciated for how much bulls*** is involved in enforcing those sorts of things and now just immediately dismiss it as too hard to do logistically as opposed to thinking it might possibly work

the Labor government is not your friend

Amirite?!

You're a wonderful paradox infi!

This is great, I wouldn't get a drinking licence and I would have an excuse to not go out and just stay home.

Govt serves it people, not the other way around.

LOL.

Governments serve themself.

i will be sitting at home on the dole pulling bongs so these new laws won't be able to effect me

I am surprised socialists like the UK, EU etc haven't already introduced this fantastically paternalistic idea.

I am pretty sure the Queensland government will continue to talk about about practical substance abuse measures, but not actually do anything.

What would happen if you lost your drug license after a night out on the drugs. You would just get a fine for not being able to produce your license!

that state cannot protect you from yourself. prisons are no answer either. but a pointless piece of plastic is not gonna make a lick of difference to drug users.

that is a license for the particular activity of driving. it is illegal to drive influenced by alcohol or drugs, or to use a phone while driving etc. the license is to regulate an otherwise lawful, and socially and economically productive activity.

drug taking is not socially or economically productive, nor is it lawful.

this is where the whole concept falls flat.

DINGASSSSS!@#

that is a license for the particular activity of driving. it is illegal to drive influenced by alcohol or drugs, or to use a phone while driving etc. the license is to regulate an otherwise lawful, and socially and economically productive activity.

drug taking is not socially or economically productive, nor is it lawful.

this is where the whole concept falls flat.

Following this reasoning alcohol is a lawful & socially productive activity (I won't say economically but it could be argued as any consumerism stimulates the economy). I see no reason that illegal acts committed whilst under the influence of alcohol could not result in a points demerit system which meant the culprit was suspended from their ability to purchase alcohol or attend a licensed venue.

Unless you feel that government licensing of driving is similarly unnecessary?

there was actually just a big study that was released, commissioned by the WA government, about smoking:

http://www.cancerwa.asn.au/prevention/tobacco/policyresearch/

I have been meaning to post about this for a while but it estimates the overall cost of smoking on the economy. I haven't fully digested it but once I do I'll probably start a thread about it because it's really interesting

Following this reasoning alcohol is a lawful & socially productive activity (I won't say economically but it could be argued as any consumerism stimulates the economy). I see no reason that illegal acts committed whilst under the influence of alcohol could not result in a points demerit system which meant the culprit was suspended from their ability to purchase alcohol or attend a licensed venue.

except that the whole point of licensing driving with a demerit points system is that it is an economically productive and essential part of life. as such a demerit system is the fairest/most practical/most bureaucratic whatever way to balance the right and economic imperative to drive, against the need to maintain a set of road rules which must have penalties attached.

who gives a s*** about someone's right to drink alcohol or take drugs or be an ass, if they are going to abuse those then loss of those rights will not affect their livelihood for example.

last edited by infi at 18:20:05 27/Oct/09

I got kicked out of the RE for falling over. I hadn't even had a single drink, I'm just really unco. I walked straight back in though, multiple doors!

Where would one purchase a 'spandex pant license'?

shudap pinky you know u already have a german version..

lol you cant even go to a strip club without the wife

hand in your balls now lol

Actually I think Bligh would go for that.