Alcohol in OOP

[Sabrina]

No: HPFGUIDX 69047

Rach:

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!)

Me:
I have to absolutey agree with this. It actually was something that has
always bothered me about the previous books because I remember rather well
that even at 14 getting drunk was one of the favourite pasttimes of some of
my classmates.
And now when she addressed it she still can't be accused of leading kids
astray, because the main character(s) who kids might want to copy don't do
anything.
The same thing with Dudley and smoking. I can just see Dudley as being one
of those kids that started smoking as 8-year-olds (believe me, I've seen it)
but she hasn't mentioned it
until now and it is Dudley and who would want to be like him?
IMO really great handling of a sensitive topic.

Sabrina