Alcohol in OOP

[Rach]

No: HPFGUIDX 68922

Was anyone else impressed by JKR's treatment of alcohol in OOP? 

There are the usual references to Butterbeer (which I assume is a 
light beer) and several references to fire whiskey - I just loved the 
scene in the Hogs Head when Ron wanted to try it!  What I found most 
interesting were the subtle `consequence' contrasts – Dung smelling 
like a drain and being totally unreliable and Sirius, obviously 
depressed, smelling of drink the night Arthur Weasley is attacked - a 
clear reference to a common causes of alcoholism.   

I think JKR's approach was very mature and age appropriate, accepting 
teenagers need to experiment. The story just wouldn't ring true 
without at least some of the kids wanting to let their hair down and 
get well and truly sloshed after their OWLs. The UK  after all does 
have liberal, dare I say very sensible, liquor laws.   (To save a 
hearty rendition of `Flames across America' let me add that this is 
just my opinion, I am an Australian (we also have far more liberal 
alcohol laws than the US) and I drink. no offence meant to those who 
might not share my views on this, just an opinion and kudos to JKR 
for treating the subject so well!)

rach