People who are drunk are pathetic, disgusting, and often dangerous. I've never understood the mentality that drives people to drink or drug themselves into oblivion and then boast about it the next day. What is there to be proud of? Can't people think of something better to do in the evening than drink until they pass out or throw up in public or land in the hospital?

EB, USA,

People should do as they like but they should ask themselves if they really like it or are doing it just out of habit or dependency and whether if they tried they would like an alternative way of being

Bob, Bolton,

whilst i believe binge drinking may be a bit of a bother for the medical service , its the fault of the government that has caused all the problems in the first place......simply by creating villains out of the general public for smoking .......in public ( bars, pubs etc)!!, they have forced those smokers ( social types ) , the ones who go out for a beer or five and a sociable ciggy to hide away in the confines of their own den of iniquity and consume vast quantities of alcohol.., then complain that those people are a pain in the ass for people with proper illnesses .....you know the ones , knife victims , glassings , punch-ups outside pubs all for drinking too much without the benefit of a pacifiying cigarette .............but what the hell do i know ? you dont seem to get the aggression with weed or E , ....maybe control of alcohol should be reclassified as a dangerous drug ( as it causes low term damage , liver failure , heart attacks etc) and drugs like weed and E regulated ?????

darren, bournemouth,

I just hate "the morning after" enough to realize that if you can't stop at a couple... there may be problems in life causing us to drink to drown out life, but when sober feeling worse for a whole day ... it may not be worth the BINGING! I feel guilty and stupid if I feel sick from a binge. Do you?

Eliza, Whiteville, USA/NC

Clarkson - you have just become my religion. You've certainly got my vote for the position of PM, World President and I think more aptly, God.

Mia Fume, London,

I also came across this whilst doing my English coursework on binge drinking.
This man is a living legend.
This article is pure brilliance.
(:

xx

Rob Handley, London, Woodford

He's joking of course. He must be.

Flatroofer, Crossgates, Wales

it is true that it a healthier lifestyle without the drinks.. but it depends what u looking for.. if one does not mind all the side effects... you would probably end up with a bunch of friends with the same and then you all can rot thinking how cool it is that u all share the same miseries.. as misery loves company!! however.. there are other things to life.. if anyone tried looking beyond company and drinks!

guntas, delhi,london,

Me and my dad think you are perfectly true.
i came across this whilst doing my english coursework
about being in favour of binge brinking.
we need a drink now and then.

jeremy clarkson you LEGEND !
;)
xxx

holly , great harwood,lancashire, england

I was born in the uk and now live in barcelona and the difference in attitude to drink , and to life in general is unbelievable.
I think the problem is you treat people like idiots and they become idiots.
The reason why people in Uk get trashed out of their skulls is not the fact there is alcohol available, it's a cultural thing.
So banning the stuff or raising th eprice is not going to do anything.
You need to start with the state that country is in and the ridiculous PC and nannystate it has become.
This is why everyone feels th eneed to get hammered all the time and forget their lives for a moment or two!

paul, barcelona, spain

"The British government tells us that if a man drinks more than two small glasses of white wine a day he will catch chlamydia from the barmaid in the pub garden after closing time. Rubbish. If a man drinks two small glasses of white wine every day it’s the barman he needs to worry about."

You being "homophobic" again Clarkson?

;-)

Joe, Manchester,

My doctor says you don't have a drink problem unless you drink more than your doctor. Judging from the state of my doctor I think I'm OK for now.

CHARLIE, LONDON,

Here here Clarkson yet again i am ahsamed to say I fully agree with you despite a desperate urge not to. If the price of alcohol goes up then once again only the well off will be able to afford it. Quite frankly I deserve to get drunk more than them because I have to work for the public sector, but that also means I have no money as my wages are crap. It is wrong to say that the rich are more responsible than the poor at drinking, you only have to look at University students these days to see that. Any way the rich have cocaine to keep them going so let the working classes keep cheap booze. If you want to reduce anti social behaviour and binge drinking why not try something really obscure like education!! Radical i know but we know prohibition doesn't work. Plus if people are hell bent on getting drunk they will just steal it or create Hooch (popular alcoholic beverage found in most prisons).

Public sector worker who likes teh odd galss of wine

Tania Young, West midlands,

24 hour drinking legislation was introduced and the pressure on the emergency services and the nhs has increased as a result. Alcohol is sold cheaply enough so that even kids can afford to get properly wasted with blind eyes turned in pubs and shops everywhere with no come-back.

It's fair enough to argue against a nanny state but can anyone here deny that the majority of the population can't be trusted to act sensibly where alcohol is concerned.

We know that it's the cctv footage from the city centres that inspires political point scoring and an easy win for the quango representatives who have nothing better to do than take a cold reading of society and look like they are earning their wages.

Assuming that everyone here is intelligent and not short of cash to indulge, the answer to calming down the general issue of problem drinking and thereby getting the beaurocrats off the backs of those who can safely manage their intake lies in affordability. Raise the price of alcohol. Now!

Citizen Q, Brighton, East Sussex

It is this sort of article which makes people think binge drinking is sensible. 55 units of alcohol a day whilst on holiday is not clever or big. Why does anyone think it is? Moderation in all things makes for a happy life.

Jill, Boston, England

Martin, Bristol

Poppycock
speed limits are thought up by men in white coats with numbers scribbled on bits of paper in crayon which are pulled out of an oversized publicly funded hat and WE pay them for this!

Dave, liverpool, england

Jeremy.
What I find insulting is that the cases raised are always that People hurt themselves and the NHS has to pick up the pieces,
People do bad things and the criminal justice system has to pick up the pieces.

When Accident and emergency units are closed left right and centre and replaced by a phone line!

When the police are denied the oppurtunity to police and they are replaced by glorified butlins red-coats!

The big Offenders are then free to get into more trouble so the Government can blame a Home Office which, it controls, So that they can be seen to be doing something about it in the press, rather than sorting it out!

The message seems to me, we are being told to give up drinking so that the government can further cut back these services so they can further squander our monumental tax contributions on more things we cannot see.

I'm going to the off-licence and hope to fall over or get punched later to keep these wonderful institutions alive, anyone else?

Jim Beam, Liverpool, England

ALL HAIL JEREMY CLARKSON!!!!!!

You should become MP.

Then you'll become PM.

Christian Georgiou, What about village?,

Well done Sir ..... couldn't agree with you more , these so called big wigs who decide these stupid rules are the worst of all. keep up the good work.

Myke Caulton, Altrincham , Cheshire, England

Bravo Jeremy, my Doc always says a little and often is worse than a good session. Thankfully I live in the Rioja region of Spain where there is a admirable laid back tolerant view to alcohol. On a recent check up on learning that I only really drank wine and the odd Gin the Doc commended me on my restraint . where as in Nany State Uk I sometimes seem to be the only one up for another one for the road !!!!

David , Vitoria, Spain.

This sounds like Britain is trying to install Prohibition.
We tried that over here in the United States already. Go look it up and see how well that worked!

John, Chicago, IL, USA

Excellent. I'm fed up of people telling me its bad to go out and drink. I definetely benefit from it in a lot of ways, I relax, I open up about things to friends (we tell each other how much we love each other) and I dance more than I would ever dance sober. Sometimes I would prefer not to have to drink to feel like this, but what is the alternative? So what is the point in telling us not to do it? It's not going to stop many people, including myself.

There's nothing to worry about with people like me - I can look after myself and deal with my own problems I might come across while drinking. Tips like: be responsible, always stay with a good friend, and drink plenty of water when you get home may help some people. However I do not see the point trying to make us stop. It's a waste of time so use the time wisely with the people with REAL problems.

Robyn Phillips, Hinckley, Leicestershire

Alcohol, and indeed - any abusive drug - share one common feature.
They release large amounts of dopamine into the system. So, in the addicts brain, the pleasure system breaks down and the drug of choice becomes your route to survival.
Choice is thus eroded. It is further eroded because the area of the brain that exerts free will - as opposed to the most basic human survival instincts - is the cortex.

I cry with pain and mental anguish, each and every day for my son's life of hell....He like hundreds of addicts was unaware that he would become a slave to Alcohol.
Jeremy has the choice to "binge drink" or not, but I do feel that it is unwise for him to even write about his drinking habits. There are so many young people who watch him driving at the most incredible speeds, surely thinking, if he can do it after his "binge" then so can I.

Barbara, manchester, UK

You know what kills more people than alcohol? STRESS!!! OK, so maybe stress and alcohol don't mix so well at the time, but I'd rather die comfortably numb than from stress because I didn't sit back often enough with a few beers, watching top gear.

james , Birmingham, UK

poorly written, repetitive, but funny. He has a good point!

Mike Tennant, London, UK

These are almost as good as his columns in the Top Gear Magazine. For now I have tucked the family bible under the sofa and turned to Jeremy although he can't build an Ark or come back from the dead and all that nonsense. He speaks the truth, and thats all I need for a comical read in the mornings. Thank You JC, Thank you very much.

Mark Hayday, Exeter, England

As ever Jeremy looks at the extremes - and I find myslef nodding in agreement with many (not all!) of them. I too am sick and tired of being told how to run my life - the europeans seem to have no problem sharing a bottle of wine each evening with their dinner - indeed it is seen as very civilised. Frankly if I had to get through the week without some nice wine to look forward to with my dinner, life would be very dull indeed. Good Food and wine is one of the few things us 40 somethings, with kids and busy work schedules can enjoy so I have no intention of changing my habits. ANd yes! I drink more on holiday, but not to the point of being ill or incapable, just a bit merry, giggly and acting a bit silly -isn't that the point of a holiday ? ! ANd yes! I can even be sensible and have the odd day 'wine free' just because I feel like it -not because the Government tells me its the right thing to do.. Go and help those who really need it, not us overworked, exhausted ordinary people ....

Jane , Kendal, CUmbria, England

Alcohol is a toxin. Like tobacco. All those hedonists who can't see past their own beer-bellies should be grateful there are interest groups that work to protect individuals from unhealthy choices. If you had any idea of the scale of damage alcohol inflicts on society, and the influence that your environment has on your 'free choice', you would grab your bottles of wine empty them in the toilet and use them as candle holders.

Amina, London,

I just sent a comment about a young boy drinking two bottles of vodka in a row.I think i've been mislead and it's here that I should have posted my message.
To be short,I think that binge drinking is the same as over drinking daily:it leads to alcoholism and addiction.It's not the same with everyone,it must be in the genes,some can drink a huge volume of beer,gin...and can stop and drink plain water on next morning and stay sober for days,others like me after a binge drinking(and it may occur more than once in a week)crave for a beer or two to ease an aching head and body,this even before breakfast,like an early morning tea.
JEAN

jean, eaux-bonnes, france

dear Jeremy,you're right,binge drinking is a wonderful thing as long as you keep control.Happy those who get up with a hangover and manage it without drinking a beer or two or more and don't drown slowly or faster in everyday drinking.
Enjoy the taste of a good wine,or a nice G&T,
JEAN

jean, eaux-bonnes, france

I've had some of the best conversations when I'm drunk, I just wish I could remember them.....

Sossle, Cambridgeshire,

Jeremy for 'Mayor' or the next 'PM', you have my vote already.

Doug Harding. Windsor

Doug Harding, Windsor, UK

Clarkson, you can irritate me like hell but unfortunately I find you to be a voice of reason in these daft times. I work hard, relax with a wine, and dont really understand this shallow obssession of going to the gym. The kids are happy healthy and confident and I recognise that i will die some day of something and am not too concerened about that. I am concerned about conformity and a government which does not appear to recognise that we have a right to be dysfunctional. The preoccupation with obesity in public policy is going to be counter productive. Lets not end up with a tyranny of quantity (statistics) over quality of life.

James , Leicester,

Good on you. Makes a change to have a fresh view, an amusing view, on drinking. I don't often drink, but when I do, I make sure it's worth it. As Jeremy says "it's like your legs are on backwards"
We are told what to eat, how to drive, what to do, what to think, I for one, am sick of it. Drinking and eating bad for you? So is war!!

Jacquie, York,

jeremy clarkson to lead the lib dems i say

lizzy, m'cr,

Very amusing article. Thats all i can say.

Stephanie Dan, London,

There is no "debate" on this.

Binge drinking is dangerous by every measure.

Beverly Aldridge, Jenks, Oklahoma

Binge drinking is serious, but the way one person drinks should not have an effect on every other person that drinks. Just because a few people don't know how to drink in a good manner that does not mean that everyone that drinks is like that. I think we need to approach the subject in a different way.

Marama, auckland, new zealand

Binge drinking is bad, but I have to admit what actually happens as a result of binge drinking depends massively on the character of the person doing the drinking

Matthew, Bridgend,

Please keep writing... lord knows the government the PC'ers and just about everyone who's lost the will to live will be against you...

Ian Black, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

No two people are the same, but habitual drinking along with everything else habitual is bound to be harmful. Moderation is the key. Binge drinking is a one off whereas drinking every night is not.
I, along with millions of others, want those that have had fame thrust upon them, like Britney, to realise this.
Moderation allows you to control and binge will make you throw up.
Addiction? Then you have lost it!

Terry, Hereford, UK

hiccc. dwink what you like- I like brandy barley wine, nice chardonnay and - well anything which happens to be there. I just turned 60 - got all my own teeth, only two fillings in my life, work hard, play hard , drink when I want how much I want and always manage work at 9am. Cheers, just off to play a few hands of poker online - might hit the sack by 3am - but will still be up at 7 and in work by 9 - takes practice, but if you give up the booze you wont get the practice - b t w - I take public transport - never drive up to 12 hours after a drink

cate, birmingham, UK

binge drinking is brilliant

toby, chichester,

Here's a guessing game.
Which would you say was more harmful, Lennox Lewis, the heavyweight boxer, at 17 stone and 6'2" drinking a pub measure of Brandy, or Little Ronnie Corbett at 5'2" and 9 stone drinking a pint of Lager?
You may start thinking "Well, the Brandy is stronger, but Lennox is bigger, or The Lager has less alcohol but Ronnie's only little" etc.
The answer........
Who Knows? It is completely dependent on the individuals ability to process alcohol.
Some people have no problem drinking every night of their life, and come to no trouble either physically or mentally, whilst others have no business near a drink. They are quickly inebriated and usually prone to unacceptable behaviour, and should avoid it as if they were allergic to it.
The only way people will ever really understand about alcohol is to be told the truth, and the truth is some people are genetically predisposed to handle it, and others aren't.

Steve Fairclough, Bolton, England

What excactly is binge drinking? Is it drinking too much? Some peiple would say that drinking any alcohol is wrong and bad for your body. Or is it mixing thge drinks?
Once that is clear, I might have an answer

Mike, Wirral, UK

As a foreigner, I am fed up of being bored at work with the same line everyday." Did you go out last night. Well I got in at 4 and had a massive Hangover"
Every time, I put on the most sarcastic smile and think to myself what an Idiot.
There are many other ways to have fun than becoming drunk dumb.
persons who are alkys are brain damged! oops..no pun inteded!

Iris, Birmingham, UK

If everyone followed the governments ludicrous drinking guidelines, it would be the final nail in the coffin for the british pub industry.
The government should start concentrating on issues that really matter as opposed to trying to restrict our civil liberties.
I should still be allowed to smoke a cigar whilst out binge drinking.
I gather that one can still binge drink and smoke in the Palace of Westminster.I am going to get elected in order to be able to enjoy myself!!

David Flanders, Isle of Wight,

Its quite evident that binge drinking is not good.Apart from breaking up families and other economic repurcussions that comes with it alcohol is not good for our health.The Food Agency should impose the same criteria of classifying foodstuffs on all alcoholic beverages so that binge drinkers will know how much they are taking in a pint.Drinking is fun however its only enjoyable when taken in moderate quantities.

Godfrey Fairchild, Aldershot, UK Hampshire

Well said Jeremy - many of my female co-workers have jugs the size of Bristol - so I tend to watch what I drink, even on that very rare occasion. What's more, typically, I'll smoke one of hers and have a jolly good natter. Hey, just so long as I'm fit enough to go for a run the following morning, it's going to be ok.

Mark, Wales (....ish),

Binge drinking is not good for you. The fact is a great many alcoholics are binge drinkers. It does not lessen the risk of addiction and further has the same health complications of any other type of drinking such as liver diseases including hepatitus and other serious liver problems which can be fatal. Finally binge drinking by definition is just as dangerous as all other forms drinking: erratic behavior, addiction, being a problem drinker and so on. One of 5 drinkers is a problem drinker or an alcoholic. Responsible drinking always emphasizes moderation which binge drinking does not not do.

Jon Mansfield, Chattanooga, TN

So where do these "Sensible Drinking" limits come from anyway? I'm an an aging biochemist who likes a bevvy or three, and I've never seen any scientific basis for them. I suspect that they are made up by The Fun Police.
Sure, any excess is stupid, but the stated limits are ridiculously low...
CJ (Kent)

chris roper, canterbury, UK

All too literal folks. I think Jeremy is using this story as an allegory to talk about an ever encroaching moralistic attitude.

Society needs drugs, it always has and always will. Letting off steam is vital to the human condition.

Some of our greatest authors, composers and musicians created their best work under the influence of some stimulant.

There is an enormous amount of drug use in the West, most of it prescription but of course we are not allowed to call these happiness drugs but thats what they are.

Get a life people. Drinking is fun, social and vital.

Andy Leonard, Charlotte , NC

Marvellous. *clinks a glass with Jeremy - and then another one*

Justin Dunn, Wirral, UK

Binge drinking is going to harm your health.

Anne, Swindon,

Of child smacking - "because it's the option often resorted to by those without imagination or natural authority. It's a shame." writes Kev, London.

I can remenber every single occasion on which my dad smacked me, there were 4 of them in total, and i can look back now and say that i deserved it every time. A blanket ban on smacking, and binging is ridiculous, and only serves to repress the idea that everything in moderation is good for the spirt!

Oliver, Sheffield, England

Just come back from the october fest. In two weeks 6.7 million liters of beer sold. The bigest boose up in the world.
Strange thing is that not not one person questions the ethics of this mass binge, every one joins in, from old to young, rich to poor and every one has just a really good time!!!!!!!

MARTIN EELES, münchen,

Not content with drivng cars too fast and drinking too much - possibly at the same time - you are encouraging other impressionable people who might think you are clever to follow your lead. Well done!

JUNE, Gillingham, Kent

Absolutely. Recreational or indeed procreational binge drinking of the sort you recommend also underpins many of our relationships Im sure!

Jan, Tickton,

Well done Jeremy!

We need to get together and destroy the UK's spoil sport brigade before it's too late and we end up living in boring land - where everything is banned. Except online poker.

Justin, Brighton,

I put down an impressive 28 units of vodka last night and came too somewhere around 10am and I'm intending to go out tonight for a repeat performance!
According to the powers that be I'll be fit to drive some time Monday (Tuesday if I do well tonight).

Drink is getting the same treatment smoking got back in the 80's so I guess a lot of people will frown at that but you know what? Mind your own business!

Jeremy, if you enter politics I may just consider putting these emigration forms away!

Tony, Hull,

Isn't it about time we made Clarkson Prime Minister!
So refreshing to see some honest, sensible points being put across!

He's to the next election Jeremy! You got my vote!

Scott, Reading, Berkshire

I wish you could have seen my nephew like I first saw him, on a trolly in the A&E. Two black eyes, face all swollen up, numerous bruises, two cuts to his head, and fumes coming off him. The result of binge of drinking alcohol. He or someone else did this to him trough his addiction.Yes he's an alcoholic at 37. Heartbreaking. Maybe you would not be so glib if it was one of your children. Then you would have to face the result of binge drinking but you think hitting children is fine so maybe you wouldn't care. I'd like to know what your children think about having their bottoms smacked, you sadist. How old are they anyway? You are an anachronism and so it seems are a lot of posters on here.

Frankie, Brighton, UK

Yee Hah! Time to cowboy up and knock back a few cold ones. Glad to see were not the only ones that see things that way. Thanks!

Eric, Austin, Texas

This is so sad when young women drink.

Robert Opala, Wakefield, England

I think there's a few people on here that could do with a couple of drinks to lighten up a bit!

Matt, Coventry,

So you say binge-drinking hasn't done you any harm, Jeremy? It has obviously affected your eyesight – look in the mirror some time, love. You've aged very badly.

As a kid, I used to binge-drink at weekends - right up until the day that a friend choked on her vomit. That was a bit of a downer.

A friend of mine is a pathologist who regularly digs the livers of aged alcoholics out of dead teenagers. It's enough to make you turn to drink...

D Jenkins, London, UK

I don't understand this binge drinking - a keep asking for a pint of binge but nowhere round here seems to keep it.

Evidently Jeremy has never actually seen binge-drinking or visited a hospital A&E in the early hours of Sunday.

Frank Upton, Solihull,

Why are you reading these comments? If got too much time on your hands and an internet connection, I'm sure there's better things to be reading...

Gareth, Brighton,

If you aquire atrial fibrillation after your binge drinking episodes
I will feel very sorry for you,its a dreadful ailment

david, Irby wirral, uk

I totally agree - any of my staff that allowed you to get away with two small glasses of wine rather than selling you the bottle would be shot - foxes or not!

Howie, Penryn, UK

I agree completely. A sociable occasion that all your mates can get stuck into and all your mates can feel the pain of as well.

Nice work Clarkson

Seb Woolf, Oxford, Uk

being woken up in the early hours by a drunken violent person does nobody anygood especialy young children alcahol is clearly for those who have problems and cannot face them.
alcahol is legalised poisen and should be banned.

s houghton, liverpool, england

This brings back the immortal phrase that religion and alcohol are the opiates of the people [sorry if I have misquoted, but you get the gist.Im sure. What happens if the populations view is not clouded by religion and alcohol. ? Will it suss out what the government is up to ? Politicians beware !!!

Brenda, Mnachester,

Binge drinking is good for those who want to pickle their livers and spend the rest of their lives in misery. Have fun now and pay later.

Naiyana Girard, Orlando, USA, Florida

I confess the 'drinking is bad' campaign makes me smile. I don't drink but that is down to loosing my Dad to alcohol 5 years ago, not a pretty way to go and it put me off big time.

Despite this I have no problem with others drinking, they can be damn funny when they do and reminding them of their antics the following day can bring even more amusement. The odd bender is no big deal either and as for those who find a day impossible to deal with unless accompanied by a bottle or two, well that is their look out.

The latest campaign amuses me because it was inevitable. There is a hidden group in our society, those who are incapable of minding their own business.

They had been kept happy for years demonizing smokers but now they need a new target, suddenly those who happily preached alongside 'those who knew what was best' and told all us smokers we were committing the 11th deadly sin lighting up are finding they themselves are the new evil doers, highly satisfying.

Kat, UK,

I think it's sad that there are too many people in this country who DON'T know how to have fun without being DRUNK. Or de-stress without being DRUNK. There's something truely lacking in you if you feel compelled to hammer yourself with alcohol in order to feel satisfied in either of these areas. I'm 22 and rarely rarely drink. Yet I'm usually very high spirited, always laughing and joking, and generally quite happy with the world despite what I have to put up with. I suggest you all work on your own strength of character to the point where it's unnecessary to drink yourself silly in order to have a "truely good time".

David, Southampton,

How appalling that some people think so little of themselves that they can drink beyond oblivion and be unable to control how they behave. What a pity that our taxes have to go towards clearing up the mess every morning; perhaps we should get the community service ohIjustmissedjail mob to do it and then the message might finally get through

Roz Venner, St Neots, England

always a refreshing point of view from jc. Yet again speaking for the downtrodden silent majority in this country. Who votes for these people with their "ideas" and "statistics" ? i certainly never have and i never will. These experts seem to be obsessed with people living for ever. Christ knows life is short for all of us, let us enjoy what little we have in what way we see fit, as long as it doesnt harm anothers freedoms or lifestyle. no one is guaranteed 3 score and 10

k.r., burbage,

When I was young binge drinking used to be called just drinking. It is latest in a whole heap of nasty words aimed at ostracising the working class. If you drink more than a pint or so of beer a day you are bingeing, If you smoke, even though you represent a large minority of the population, you cant do it in the pub anymore, because the nannys in black don't want you to. Even when they never go there! These people who make up things so they can oppress others ought to be sent to the guillotine! Certainly not listened to.

jam gibson, tavistock, england

The trick to no hangover is finding out what you can drink and what you can't. After much thought and research (in bars, pubs and liquor stores) I've found that what works for me are the higher end alcohols, the more expensive brands. After all you get what you pay for . If you go cheap you more than likely will end up with a hangover and paying more means you will probably drink less and still be satisfied with the results. Also if you drink to impress this helps, everyone likes a big spender.

Paul, San Diego, Ca. USA

I'd prefer to take Michael Schumachers philosophy to life over Eddie Irvines!
Yeah, for sure, people should be free to live their lives as they wish but just imagine some guy binge drinks and pukes into your beautiful car with perfect Italian leather - you cross the line when you do things that impinge upon other peoples freedom.
So for me, the crux of the matter is there - be free but also respect other people's freedom and possessions.
Obviously deciding the point as to where you stop drinking is like deciding on where you brake approaching a corner at speed - too much or too little and you don't quiet get that feeling that you love when you get it just right... but its probably better to underdo it rather than ending up commiting bovine murder over a ditch somewhere.

Obviously you can't always get your braking right and there are times when you have to push the boat out... but at least have the sense to err on the side of caution the majority of times.

Eddie Schumacher, Cork, Ireland

Ridiculous load of cods-wallop - insensitive and offensive. See how you feel when you live with an alcoholic parent who was only ever having "a binge", or loose friends due to alcohol induced speeding.

Emma, Bristol,

When I was younger (I'm now 34) I used to binge drink regularly...I don't drink anymore because I can't be bothered with the hangovers. But, I don't regret one moment of the great times I had when drinking...I think of it as a rite of passage. I never came close to being what could be described as an alcoholic, so what is the problem again???

sue williams, Wallasey, uk

Gareth, Birmingham, I believe you are absolutely wrong. The liver is designed to replace cells which are destroyed by modest quantities of toxins it filters of which alcohol is one. When the liver is swamped, as in binge drinking, too many cells are killed and cannot all be replaced. Each time a binge occurs more permanent damage is done. As you say, you feel like keeping off alcohol for several days and that is probably the liver protesting at its overload. It will never fully recover. Thus the onset of cirrhosis is gradual and is not recognised until the quantity of damage is extensive and by they you are in real trouble. If people want to destroy their livers gradually over the years it's up to them but as an educationist I wish they were informed and understand the adverse consequences of binge drinking. Drink in small quantities like the French and the liver should cope well. Life is full of wonderful things to do without binge drinking. Sorry I can't make this hilariously funny.

Susie D, Nantwich, UK

Jeremy is, as usual, stunning in his application of logic. Drinking one, maybe two glasses of wine a night has never killed anyone I know. My great-grandfather lived to the ripe old age of 96 on two bottles of whisky a week - in fact, his doctor expressly said not to take him off it as it gave him hallucinations and one hell of a headache. My mother, who is very sensible, goes out once a year on holiday and drinks her yearly allowance in about an hour. So far, I haven't found her lying prostate on the floor in a coma (unless you count her hangover). Yes, you get the ones who go out every night with the sole intent of getting lashed - but then again, in France 6 year olds drink wine with their dinner and you don't hear them complaining.

And while we're on the subject, a friend of mine went out and drank twice her weight in alcohol. After that I made her drink about a litre of water and she woke up the next morning perfectly fine. Hope that's a useful tip.

Eleanor Watts, Cambridge, England

I must admit that I enjoyed a regular binge when I was younger. However, I am unfortunate and suffer from hypertension, and binge drinking, followed by the inevitable hangover exacerbates this. I suffered a stroke aged 53, even though I was a regular runner and hill-walker, so very fit. A stroke is something I wouldn't wish on anybody, so make sure you take everything into consideration if binge drinking.

Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Agree with Peter Martin, though would truly like to know the true opinions of Jeremy.

Craig, Guelph, Canada

when i was younger, im sure we called this so called binge drinking, just "avin' a drink"

Dan, Manchester, UK

Methinks the Clarkson doth protest too much.

Dominic Johnson, London, UK

Whilst I comprehend that binge drinking warnings are aimed at the British Public in general, they are primarily aimed at the younger generation. I think that they are a good thing, as a 16 year old I have many friends who love nothing more than to go out on a Friday or Saturday night and get "lashed". So they drink nothing all week and then at the end of the week they de-stress by becoming almost paraletic. Without the recent adverts and warnings I don't think we would be so aware of the consequences of our early age "binge drinking" and the detrimental effects it has on our body's. I recently heard of a woman in her early thirtys having neurotic conditions due to her "binge drinking" from a young age is that what we want the future of Britain to look like? In response to Chris Georg's post, I think the New Zealand goverment have hit the jackpot with a drinking license! It is so easy to get hold of a "fake ID", perhaps if we introduced it as well we could curb the ongoing problem?

Talor Elliott, Bristol, England

Jeremy, you are wicked. You're totally right! I'm so pleased that there's some normal people out there who do what my friends, my family and I do all the time, have a good old knees up. You're right, we're not dead, we're happy, and if anyone tells me I'm drinking too much, I'll let them read this.

Maria Lloyd, Lincoln,

Jeremy is as usual, completely right.
However, here in New Zealand, the government is planning to make everyone have a license (like a drivers license), but for drinking instead. What is wrong with these people. If this crazy idea actually is made law, then I will just ignore it as will most of the population. Please, save me from these crazy beaurocrats!!!!

Chris Georg, Auckland, New Zealand

In reply to Nick of Bordeaux's comment, we surely pay enough tax to compensate for a little over indulgence in our lives. What makes having fun so immoral? It is a part of life. If we lived in a blanket of safety and remained sober, where would the fun be? You need to get out there, grab life and leave the practicalities to the people whom we pay huge sums of money every year. The government should allocate funds for this, rather than trying to stop it. We don't pay to be dictated to. Why can somebody with a low income get more back from the government than someone who pays more tax? Why are people being persecuted for doing as they please in a free country? I'm afraid people spend too much time listening to opinions rather than the practicalities.

R Scotney, Kingston upon Hull, UK

It is about time more people in 'power' stood up and said this kind of thing; instead of hiding behind poltical correctness or fear of upsetting those who have little else to do except make jusdgements on the ordinary person.

Jeremy for Mayor of London, Prime Minister and the next in line to the thrown. Keep it up Jeremy, this is why you are so popular.

Daniel, Reading,

There are very few things I agree with you on Jeremy,
but this is one of them....

The "civilized" world is becoming nothing more than a killjoy rule infested nanny state ! - we seem to have a myriad of rules and regulations now for just about everything. Aside from the plague and pestilence (and life expectancy of say 25 years), I bet it was a lot more fun running around naked and drunk in King Henry VIII times, hahaha, and I bet your Royals do too ...well, the men anyhow !

Jack-Down-Under, Melbourne, Australia

We should be very aware of Global Drinking. Third World countries have only had the mosquito ridden well as a source of liquid refreshment; new wealth will expose them to the effects of inebriation. This will make the world blow up. Is it the church acting as prime mover in the prohibition movement? No. Religion has been displaced by socialism and we have moved another step closer to prosecuting witches. Society is evil because of the temptations, the new religion says. So, to reform our society, make it pure once more, we have rid ourselves of evil. It is as though the Puritans are manipulating the levers of power. The atmosphere is replete with the scent of gobbledegook and boiled parsnip. Signs, whispering campaigns and portents, bucolic myths abound. If you have a peccadillo prepare to espouse it now; quackery in the new faith and our masters prescribe it unstintingly. The Augean Stable has never been so mucky the new broom can hardly keep up with its labours, cleanse us all.

Malcolm Turner, Alsager, England

i think clarkson is absoloutley right , why not enjoy yourself and have fun. the goverment should spend more time worrying about the people who actualy need help and not just the people who are out to have a good time, often at no expense to anyone!

james mcrrroroy, shrewsburry, shropshire

JC - you are Jim Morrison!

Fancy a bevvy later?...

Barney, Liverpool, UK,

Clarkson, and people who support this view should be allowed to gracefully resign from the NHS, drink what they will, drive like they will, and die like they will.

Niel Malan, Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa

Was going to put Jem for pm but just read it oh well Jem for pm

Garry Webster, Norwich,

Ha! Ha!. I bet the relatives of the teen-agers (and others) who have killed or been killed, the health professionals who spend Thursday to Monday scraping "Clarksons" off the pavement instead of tending to other emergencies, the academics and health-care professionals who believe in (and have proven) the link between binge-drinking in young drinkers and the propensity to become alcoholic, the police who "nanny-state" the drunks to their dismay instead of tackling real-crime, and the many others who have been irreperably harmed or burdened by binge-drinking are having a real laugh. If you are seeking validation for your own problems, please try to get it from your friends and family and not from the (sadly) high number of people who want to believe as you write, even in the face of their own (and loved ones') view that they are on a destructive path. I wonder if we could somehow statistically isolate the harm that your "funny" words have just inflicted whether you would be laughing?

Nick, Bordeaux, France

Wow, 55 units A DAY! Jeremy I fear for your health, mate. Was this the same time you met the ex-pats in a bar at 10am?

Justin, Alford, UK

Binge drinking IS good for you!
It's not healthy, but it's good for you!
Eating seaweed, exercising and drinking Cod liver oil is healty.
But eating a medium rare steak and smoking a cigar before you get stupidly drunk, that's good for you!

Magne, Oslo, Norway

Go Jeremy!
If the powers that be would stop making stupid laws & giving stupid advice that only affect the 'normal' law abiding public & concentrated on those who really are a problem then we would all get on a hell of a lot better!
Yes a small minority go out, get legless & smash up the town centre but the huge majority of us just want to get pished, forget our worries for a few hours & have a good time, so leave us alone and concentrate on the silly billys who are out to cause trouble.

Catherine, Lincoln,

Bravo Jeremy, for your fun way of looking at serious issues, very entertaining. That is until you reflect on the reality a little more deeply, then it begins to look oafish , in my opinion. Anyway, you do have a knack for stimulating debate and generating huge amounts of income which allow you to be able to afford holidays on which you can binge-drink. I hope when I can next afford a holiday that I don't bump into you - any chance of a Clarkson holiday alert on the internet so we can be left in peace?

John, Manilva, Spain

Its common sense but sadly sense isn't common! Jeremy's point is absolutely right and it has nothing to do with drinking its the "learn the difference between 32mph and 175mph argument " and what is really important. There are far too many exapmples of futile laws and by-laws to start reahearcing them all here, but I would like to share one thing. I am an anti smoker, hate the stuff, couldn't go out with a bird if she smoked.... and all that. But even I feel uneasy that we live in a country that passes a bloody law that you can't smoke in restaurants etc. If its what people want shouldn't the restaurant decide. Nanny State or what.....?

Jezz, Reading, UK

As Jeremy seems to get away with advocating driving at 130 mph and disabling speed cameras, even telling how to do it on TV, and both are illegal actions as far as I know, I cannot understand if the power of the state is so all pervasive why he has not been arrested!

bill acrr, Turku, Finland

Clarkson seems really confused about what a "Nanny State" is.
Nobody likes the government to tell us how to live our lives – but there are limits to this. For me, asking people not to binge-drink and then trash the town centre, generally making a nuisance of themselves, and making the town centres virtual “no-go” areas for families on a Friday night - doesn’t constitute a step towards the “Nanny State”.

Government has a duty of care to everybody – not just the people who’d like to “binge-drink”. This is common sense which Clarkson seems to lack a great deal – or is he trying to be “different” just to stir up his publicity?

Roy, London, UK

Jeremy, my new best friend!

Forget world president! How would you like to be god?

Jennie, Liverpool, UK

One thing I have learned in my 71 years is that most people are stupid, (more PC is lacking common sense) that is ok until one's stupidity starts impinging on other people. Eg killing or maiming someone with your car, beating up and crippling someone because you don't like the way he looked at you, ruining someone's sleep because you need to play your music at n decibels all night,or worse, need I go on? The reason we have so many laws is because people live in a selfish bubble and never consider other people have rights too. Adolescence and early 20's is a time when people are at their most stupid and irresponsible, (yes I did drink quite a bit then but never to falling down state) most of us grow out of it. Some don't! That is why we have to have laws to regulate behaviour.
The first time you smoke a cigarette or get drink too much you get ill, that should tell you someting. Unfortunately there are usually 'friends' telling you to be 'cool' or some such garbage,

bill acrr, Turku, Finland

You have it correct , & @ in the same article ,missed the point. Just as distinction should be made between 32mph &175mph. Alcohol is a neurotoxin [ kills nerve cells ], & teetotalism would be better for all brains , but a bit of fun in life is needed. Binge drinking is so destructive to the brain , in itself ,that it can produce a serious level of brain damage , requiring residential care @ a relatively young age. We all pay for this care , so perhaps it is in our collective interests , financially , to discourage binging . Add in all other alcohol related problems & well.... BTW , I live in Australia , & here the police have zero tolerance of speeding , which is reducing the number of traffic related casualties , so perhaps charging people speeding @ 32mph should be mandatory.

theodore potts, st. ives, nsw , australia

Clarkson's argument is a load of self-indulgent tripe! Fair enough, he's entitled to his own opinion, but when he says he "drank 55 units of alcohol a day" on holiday, I find that very hard to believe! Maybe the "55" units of alcohol is an exaggerated figure to advocate his point?? In any case, you can't say that drinking, binge drinking in particular, is 'good for you'. It's scientifically proven that alcohol in large quantities (55 units, or thereabouts Mr. Clarkson) WILL damage your liver to a greater or lesser extent. If you want to die from liver failure, then listen to the author of this pathetic article. On the other hand, if you want to live and still enjoy a drink, then know your limits, and stop there.

Jen, Hereford, England

JC has hit the nail on the head again. I wouldn't mind a nanny state so much if nanny really DID know best, but all she has is a Level 1 NVQ (Not Very Qualified) from the local sink school.

The bit showing the difference between binge drinking an alcoholism is a classic - simple but to the point.

JC, though, didn't mention the drink-drive limit that some people want to reduce. Rather than hit those who've had more than a half of shandy, why not concentrate on the drivers who've had two sinkfulls of export gin? With the proposed limit, you'll be illegal if you drive past a brewery!

Re the speed limit being set by logical people, where else has Marin been living - or are they all hop-heads in Bristol? My dad learned to drive in the 1950s and the stopping distances (for a well-maintained car on good roads) in the Highway Code are the same now as then. Excuse me, but now we have better roads, better brakes and lighter cars.

Mark, Long Eaton,

To Chuck Moreland, Spokane Valley, Washington, USA - and any other shamed American

You have my complete and sincere sympathy for your troubles. Pop in and share a bottle anytime. Cheers!

Roger Bingham, Lauzun, France

Jeremy, I think you are getting out of control and making the people think like you spend all your day in a glass of wine or something alcoholic !!!
There is no point to discuss how many units you drink in a day, month,year or entire your life.But the point is,although all the allegations are obvious that alcohol is harmful as long as you drink within acceptable limits,denying this fact is ridiciolus. By the way, it also offensive to use "Turkish Prison" as a visualization matter in your article.
I like your style in writing, your presenting on the screen but you should be more considerate and thoughtful while you write something really crucial for people.Don't write your articles when you are drunk or still have hangover !!!
Cheers !!!

Arslan Bugra , Adana, Turkey

Doctor. "Stop drinking and smoking"
Patient. "Will I live longer?"
Doctor. "No, but it'll feel like it"

Mark, London,

Wonderful article pointing at one very dangerous thing in XXI century- dictatorship by so called experts. We should be free and nobody should tell us how to live,. Thank you Jeremy,

Ivan, London, England

I can safely say that I've never felt better since I gave up drinking - and I only ever had one glass or two a night! Yes it DOES do you harm, it also afects your mood. I'm a lot happier, less grumpy, I don't feel groggy, dizzy and tired anymore and not only that my bank balance is better off! So go take a leap Clarkson! You are talking out of your rear boot!!

Julia Munroe, Gillingham, Dorset

"Oh, give over, this country isn't a nanny state. It vetoes almost everything Brussels suggests. Try looking at a few other countries (such as the ones that don't have sky high housing prices THANKS TO the "nanny" state) before you come out with this kind of rubbish. starling, Lancaster," And talking of rubbish, your point is?

Mark Lyndon, London, UK

You have it correct , & @ in the same article ,missed the point. Just as distinction should be made between 32mph &175mph. Alcohol is a neurotoxin [ kills nerve cells ], & teetotalism would be better for all brains , but a bit of fun in life is needed. Binge drinking is so destructive to the brain , in itself ,that it can produce a serious level of brain damage , requiring residential care @ a relatively young age. We all pay for this care , so perhaps it is in our collective interests , financially , to discourage binging . Add in all other alcohol related problems & well.... BTW , I live in Australia , & here the police have zero tolerance of speeding , which is reducing the number of traffic related casualties , so perhaps charging people speeding @ 32mph should be mandatory.

theodore , st. ives, nsw , australia

Much as I admire, and enjoy the output of, Jeremy Clarkson. A lot of what he says and writes is pure "entertainment".

Just because he is famous and has a loud voice does not mean we should take him seriously.

He is funny and entertaining and I watch and read pretty much everything he puts out, but if I was looking for advice on how to live my life, I'd rather ask my 14 year old daughter as she speaks more sense.

However, he is an entertainer and just that, so leave him alone.

Peter Martin, Larkfield, Kent. UK.

LIFE UNDER LABOUR

Go to work, pay wages as tax.
When ready to retire, tax not turned into pension as gone elsewhere, carry on working.
Must send kids to school.
Kid to clever for teacher does not want to go. You must look after. But cannot as paying tax towards non existant pension.
You go to prison.
You smoke in public while working.
You get sen to prison.
You drink a bit after work,
You go to prison. You dont, drink, smoke, or drive car. Sit back on train, rest flip flops on seat.
Labours bully wants to send you to prison. You dont watch TV. Labour send you letter demanding payment for state propogander machine, you dont pay, you go to prison. You sit in empty deserted house, no drink, no fags, no public transport, no TV.
Burglar breaks in. Labour sends you to prison.
Labour gov kills thousands in Iraq.
Labour MPs avoid prison.

Patrick Darcy, London,

Haha! Wonderful stuff. Cheers for making my day Jeremy!

Dave Lee, Lincoln, United Kingdom

Jeremy Clarkson doesn't need to send himself up any further, he's up himself about as far as he can go!

Don Allwright, Altrincham, UK

I can't believe the po-faced comments telling Mr Clarkson he has a problem and ought to go to rehab yada yada....

Parts of this article made me laugh so hard in guilty recognition that I snorted my coffee back out. It's easy to rail against the prurient fun police of our health-obsessed times but I'm still glad someone's doing it.

I eat well and keep fit but also happen to have hollow legs and I love a night on the lash! Not every weekend, just from time to time. I love everything from that first round of drinks - ahh, that freefall into the weekend - to the latter stages of the night where misrule rules and tables are for dancing on. Sometimes I even love the hangover - not only the post-mortem with friends but the barmy journey it takes your brain and body on.

Yes, we all know alcohol can be a VERY BAD THING but in a happy context, as a way to unwind collectively, it is and always has been sublime.

Slainte, Jezza!

Lizzy , Douglas,

Jeremy Clarkson for World Presisent!!

bob, belfast, northern ireland

Jeremy has become a 'celebrity with influence' as such he needs to watch what he says. People are influenced by what he says, witness the support of many idiots in this forum.
Sometimes he talks sense and very often utter rubbish which is not based on any facts. He makes his living out of being controversial but he bears no responsibility for the results of his utterances.
By the way he cannot get to be PM unless a party adopts him as a candidate first, which is not likely! Parties are elected PM's are chosen by the winning party

bill carr, Turku, Finland

Four drinks in a sitting used to constitute a "light lunch" and was tantamount to abstinance.

I just realised that I as had three pints of beer last night it's probably time to book myself into rehab. Nah. Rehab's for quitters.

Steve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I dont think Binge drinking is a big thing.Its your decision what ever you choose to do and even though im not legaly allowed to drink yet. Me and My friends still manage to get alcohol and drink.My parents dont mind me drinking as long as im sensible..yet i still go out and have a big binge drink now and again and after the hangover the next day i feel fresher and more chilled out.Drinking is better than smoking spliffs right?? So whats all the big comoshion about it?! the 'Sensible People' amongst us..aka Nosey goody too-shoes.. If they dont wana drink then fine but leave us to get on with our lifes and do what we wana do.Its our life and we will drink our selfs silly every weekend if we want to! W.e you say isnt really going to change our opinions is it? So if we wana drink..we will.

Nikki Wilcox, Tamworth*!*, England

It seems that you love binge drinking. In fact, there is only one thing you seem to love even more....and that is writing drivel. It seem that you and your pal A A Gill are locked in a celebrity death match of drivel writing. Keep up the good work!

FreeMarketeer, oxford, uk

you got a real problem if you consider binge drinking fun...you better get yourself in a rehab and then hopefully you will see there is so much more real fun in life-things that you probably never even thought of while you were getting yourself obliviated...good luck and god bless.

steven smith, burnaby, canada

Excellent JC as always - I have to say you have made my day with your article today - on holiday I am of the same ilk and its painful - utterly painful having to return to the grey, nanny state and out of control UK.

Patrick Thorpe, Croxley Green, UK

Oh, give over, this country isn't a nanny state. It vetoes almost everything Brussels suggests. Try looking at a few other countries (such as the ones that don't have sky high housing prices THANKS TO the "nanny" state) before you come out with this kind of rubbish.

starling, Lancaster,

JC please please please do a Mrs Pritchard, before this country goes completely GA GA

Dave, Kidderminster,

Lots of people will agree with Jeremy on this because it's what they want to believe, and I no more than the next person like the way things are going with our nanny-state which does at the moment seem to be targetting anyone who does more than inhale a sniff of a boozy Xmas cake once a year. This will never work as people will simply ignore any such OTT (and unpopular) notions. Now if they told us eating broccoli and mung beans was bad for us, they'd be onto a winner.

However, don't be too smug and this-will-never-happen-to-me, Jeremy - I speak as someone whose liver was severely damaged by years of intake a lot more moderate than 55 units at any one time. It was being damaged in a sneaky way, and gave me no symptoms at all until I turned yellow, went blind and found I had cirrhosis. It wasn't fun at all and certainly I was 'guilty' of Clarkson-style smuggery - 'I'm not an alcoholic and can do without it when I have to, therefore it can't be damaging me.' Wrong.

Maria, Cotswolds, UK

Binge drinking is better than the 'moderate, but frequent' method of enjoying alcohol because of the "I'm never drinking again..." feeling you get the next day. Generally you don't drink for at least a week afterwards and thats more than enough time for your body to get back to normal (I think 24-36 hours is usually enough time for alcohol to be flushed out of your system). I lived in France and worked as a teacher there, I was quite surprised to see wine available on the teachers' tables at lunchtime and although it may have been weak plonk, it still means that alcohol was available to me all day long.
The facts show that countries like ours have less alcoholics than France because of the tradition of having wine with every meal. A pint of Thatchers doesnt sit too well with your feta cheese salad.
The only concern I have is that we are enjoying good wine more often and may be on our way to becoming the next France in this sense.

Gareth, Birmingham,

Anyone fancy a pint?

Richard, Bromley,

Drinking should be made illegal along with smoking, gambling and driving and punishable with 10 years hard labour. With the consequent drain on revenue, the government could then sack all petty minded non entity civil servants and, indeed, themselves. Job done.

Chris, London,

Hic ... I'll drink to that.

Oddly enough, in the States binge drinking is considered
having more than four drinks in one sitting.

In the UK binge, drinking is considered being drunk for
more than three days in a row.

Damn Yankee teetoatlers.

Eric Price, Tempe, USA/Arizona

Dear Mr Clarkson

you deserve to be knighted.

sonja, East London, South Africa

I am not favour of a Nanny State either (being of Dutch origin!). The only thing I have often wondered is why "Binge Drinking" does not exist elsewhere in Western Europe to the extend that it exists in Britain.
P.S. For the record: I have had some pretty excellent nights out with my British friends that did involve some alcohol consumption.

Simone, London,

I returned to the UK from Australia a few years ago after I got sick of the police/nanny state there; imagine my disappointment to find it is on the rise here too. The saddest aspect of this is that the weak, boring, nerdy, humourless gits that we used to mock at school/university are now running the country and are out for revenge. While all the normal folk (those who enjoy a drink, a laugh, a bit of sport and a holiday) were out getting on with their lives, the dullards went into politics/NGO's so they could get their revenge by ruining our lives. Take this recent farce where people who never go in to pubs decide to ban smoking in pubs solely because they don't like the sort of people who go to pubs and drink and smoke and laugh. I have always believed that people whose desire is to be a politician, should not be allowed to, because generally crave control over others. These killjoys should move to Switzerland, where they'd fit right in and we could all smile again.

Vic, York,

Thank you Jeremy, It really is nice to hear somebody saying what everyone is too frightened to say in case the 'fun police' come and barate you.

We are all grown adults, wear long trousers, were able to drive cars, vote, marry, join the army, yet the nanny state tells us 'its a little bit dangerous to have a few many drinks.... for goodness sake.

I agree with whole heartedly Jeremy, why cant we enjoy ourselves and let our hair down, or does that not fall in line with brussels?......

Andy, Church Bay, Anglesey

Pickled Herring.

audi driver, kelso, Borders

Bravo Martin. Well said.

Fadi Kaddah, Lisbon, Portugal

If those who think that the main purpose of life is to get drunk every weekend would do that without impacting on the life of others then hey go ahead drink until your brain explodes. But unfortunately the urge to force a drunken and warped opinion onto someone else is not restricted to the real “alcoholics”. The weekend “alcoholics” do the same, turning whole areas into no go zones. Does anyone really think that the effect of alcohol is different if a “real” alcoholic is drunk or just the nice fellow from across the road. I think those who get kicked and clobbered to death (or only up to hospital level) do not really care if it was one of the binge drinkers or one of the “real” alcoholics who got out of hand. The problem of state interference only comes up when the behaviour of people get out of hand. Freedom also means taking responsibility for your action. Alcohol is not evil it is what we do with it. Not the two glasses of wine every night but the urge to push drinking to its limit

NK, London, UK

You've got the nanny state, then you've got your body, which isn't aware of your attitude to the nanny state or the fact that you are on holiday. It just reacts to the poison that it is periodically insulted with to excess. That's the human dilemma

Francis, Colchester,

So if one lacks immagination and natural authority what does one do with a naughty child - tell it to go and play outside? or exclude the poor thing from school. The parents are to blame - remember the ones that weren't chastised when they were at school. As you sowed so you are now reaping.

Henry GB, Brampton, Cumbria

Personally I am a heavy drinker because it helps me to ease the pain of manual labor, the pain of the untimely deaths of family members and the shame of being an American in this day and age. I probably should have become an alcoholic by now but, thankfully, I am not allergic to alcohol. A few friends through the years have not been quite as fortunate in this particular instance. I miss them dearly.

Chuck Moreland, Spokane Valley, Washington, USA

Is binge drinking new. What was I doing in the 70s then on a Friday night ?(port and lemon followed by barley wine, followed by more port and lemon followed by a nice Cinzano and lemonade, followed by more barley wine).
I rest my case.

Deb, Surbiton, UK

Leave the drinking to the drinkers - the ones who are not horizontal after half a dozen alcohpops - some of us actually enjoy a pint or five of cask bitter - just like the wine posers, we can appreciate the finer points of real ale - we don't need the misery guts in the govt departments to say you can't do this or that - if we have a few extra jars and enjoy a good night out then that's our business - as long as we don't mug people or wreck property, what's the problem? Plus all the extra tax generated can sponsor more pc nonsense departments and the health and safety prats that blight our lives.

Pete - Lancs, Clitheroe, Lancashire, UK

Clarkson for PM!!!

J.D., ---,

Having rubbed shoulders with many good people and having had really good times spoilt by a few toss pots, you make a lot of sence, Keep watching and telling.

From the now man who is old enough, and thats the truth

Bill Gillott, Market Harborough, Leicestershire

I would normally agree with you as I do not like the idea of a nanny state, however the memories of a friend lying in her coffin after choking on her own vomit from a night out are all too vivid for me. I say no to nanny state but let us not confuse the much needed education on alcohol consumption with the authorities telling us what to do.

Ricky, Manchester , England

Amen, brother!
But your opinions of Aussies are ******

Jack, Beijing, China

Jeremy, please become Prime whoodgeamaflipp. Keep talking the truth - they don't.

Bill, Bordon, hants

LOL,

It is quite a remarkable definition of how to carry a life with balance, and making the distinction between an alcoholic and being able to decide when to have a cold one is the key in this review.


PS: Try mixing Tequila with seven up. It's Great, and its called, Paloma! = Pigeon.

PANCHO, Mexico City, Mexico

We need people like you Jeremy, in a country run by characterless, spineless, humourless morons - bring back the 70's, 80's and 90's, which I guess makes us roughly the same age!

Julian, London,

I, and many of my middle-aged hard-working friends who partake, binge every Friday down at the local, playing pool, swearing as much as we want (it is a "mans" bar), telling un-PC jokes and laughing damn heartily. We take the p!ss out of the younger ones trying to "be our mates", and they laugh with us, giving the respecting glance of adoration we deserve. Then, suddenly, Monday morning is here and I tottle off to work conforming again to the expectations of the 21st century civil service brigade. Still, its great being a real man at least one night a week! (starting at 1700. Finish at around 2200). I think I may have knocked a year or two off my "best possible life-span outcome", but, when you think about it, that could well be a good thing. Long live the non-conformists!

Dodger, Perth, Caledonia

Sorry Mr Clarkson , but no way can you deny that excessive alcoholic consumption does not dull your senses , make you agressive and probably worst of all, react slower when behind the wheel. Bet the Stig never hits the bottle when trying to beat the magic 1 minute 20.

Kevin Pirotta, St Julians, Malta

I recently had the good fortune to visit the Cote D'Azure for the weekend.
I had the temerity to drink alcohol whilst I ate lunch in the street, in the middle of a bustling fish and flower market, I smoked a massive Cohiban cigar in an hotel foyer whilst small children played nearby(!), I bought sun-dried tomatoes from an unlicensed vendor who was, rather bizarrely, located in the middle of Nice's main bus depot (they are splendid by the way) and marvelled at the way scooters and cars merged in and out of traffic at great speed without the slightest injury or loss of life.
I did all of this whilst intermittently meeting interesting, open, humour-filled people with a sparkle in their eyes and a complete disregard for rules and rule-makers in their garlic-butter-clad hearts.
England has lost its soul. Its is run by petty-minded bearocratic jobsworths who'd rather spoil someone else's fun than try and have some of their own.
Vive la France! Vive la revolution de Anglais!

Mark, Birmingham, UK

Perhaps we would drink less if this useless Government gave us something to be happier about. But with lousy roads, lousy schools, lousy health service, expensive housing and criminal law that is too soft on the miscreants out there is it not natural to turn to cheap drink and sink into an alcoholic haze?

richard, Effingham, UK

Saying "binge drinking is good for you" is about as inept a statement as I have ever read. Maybe I’m not “blokey” enough if I worry about the battered wives (and husbands), the car crashes, the teenage gangs, the mental illness, the children taken into care, the rapes and murders and the everyday shouting, swearing and puking that too much alcohol causes.
The police state that Mr. Clarkson rightly worries about will grow all the more quickly if all we think about is drowning out reality with alcohol or drugs instead of seriously fighting it on every front. I mean fighting PC nonsense, ID cards and the DNA database. And finding a way to leave the EU dictatorship.
If you want to kill yourself with 55 units per day, that’s a great shame, sir, but don’t expect to be able to do it and not infect other people with your “lifestyle choice” and remember, many people will miss you when you’re gone!

Stewart Cowan, Stranraer, Scotland

Jez, I knew it !! you are that bloke who sits at the bar at 10 in the morning telling everyone how great life is as an ex-pat. But, that doesn't mean that you're an alcoholic. No, binge drinking on a daily basis is just great fun.

RJA, Nottingham, England, UK

A very good point put forward, i completely agree with what you have just said!

Harry Gibson, York, UK

Of child smacking - "because it's the option often resorted to by those without imagination or natural authority. It's a shame." writes Kev, London.

That is nonsense. Children, and particularly younger children (3-10, say), respond well to a sharp slap on the backside - it causes almost no pain (and that is very very short term), yet instantly re-inforces the lesson required to be learned from the action which brought about the smack.

Of course, calling it "smacking" (or, worse, "hitting", which it's not) and ranking it as "child abuse" is designed to make it sound awful, something that only drug addicts and violent criminals would do. In actual fact, it's more of a punctuation mark, an exclamation point for people who are too young to fully rationalise the reason their actions are inappropriate.

Ade, Liverpool, Merseyside

It's about time that everyone, on reaching 18 years old, is locked up for 6 months. This is a logical progression of the government's present policy of blanket punishment. Of course the lack of prison space would be a problem and therefore we would serve our sentences at home. The prison environment of fear and violence despite draconian rules would have to be reproduced................Damn, they've pinched my idea!

Keith Wilson, Beziers, France

If you want to become an alcoholic, drinking 55 units a day on holiday is a good way to start,

Mark, oldham, Lancs.

Arise, Sir Jeremy!

Andy, Warsaw, Poland

Jeremy, may you forever lie between Dionysus and Aprhodite, when she gets off tending to her bar in Athens and he stops foxing around with those goats to devote some time to you.

eugene, heidelberg, germany

Martin, Bristol

"is a limit set by those who've done the research into road safety and road conditions."

Ever seen that research?
I'm curious how it explains why cars with different weights and breaks need follow the same speed.
The Stopping speed in a Noble is rather different than a Ford Focus.

Dominic, Manchester, UK

Bizarrely, I agree with Clarkson for once.

Having also just come back from holiday, having had a fantastic time enjoying beers and arak on beaches, smoking vast quantities of cigarettes (inside! In a bar!), hanging around marinas without any signs of "health and safety" notices, not been terrified of being stabbed by psychotic teenagers (because strangely, children are disciplined and every adult feels it's their job to tell kids going wrong to stop it), it was so depressing arriving back to a grey and unkempt Gatwick. First sign I saw was "it is a criminal offence to smoke inside in the UK", newspaper stories of teenagers stabbing other teenagers to death or participating in ride by shootings and then articles about how raising the drinking age to 21 will stop 12 year olds getting bladdered, I wanted to go back.

It seems very much that the law is focussing on punishing and controlling entirely the wrong people. And by that, I mean me.

Lisa, London,

Busybody

A highly paid expert employed by the government or your local social services department, who, because they are told they are an expert, live on a different planet to the rest of us.

Jeremy.

Either give up listening to them and ignore them like the rest of us, or do as you do now, write a funny article berating them for all their worth, which means that their worth amounts to little or nothing.

By taking this action, you might, eventually, persuade the government, social services, public servants, who do listen to them, that what they are listening to is wrong for the every day man on the street like you and me.

Brian, St Neots, Cambs

Well done Jeremy. As a 22-year-old media employee in the finance industry, its rather difficult to avoid drink, but i like to think that i indulge in alcohol moderately and always within my limits. When actually working, that means not drinking myself to oblivion, but over a 4 hour meeting/lunch, that may mean 4 glasses of wine/lagers which is over the daily limit allowed by the nanny-state types. This is plainly ridiculous. And when i'm at home, enjoying Sunday Roast or an enormous lasange, I think i'm entitled to enjoy a bottle of red wine with my loved one. As for the whole children discipline issues, my fiance is a head of drama at a local comprehensive which is full of these kids who disrespect their elders because there is no discipline at home and little which can be enforced in school, so don't get me started...

charlie thomas, Slough, Berkshire

55 units a day, even when on holiday, is perhaps a mite heavy going.

I lost a bit of respect for JT on learn ing that he smacked his children. Not because it's "child abuse" or even "wrong", but because it's the option often resorted to by those without imagination or natural authority. It's a shame.

Kev, London,

No no no binge drinking is brought about by fitness!!
If we weren't all as fit as we are and being told on a daily basis that if we do not climb 12003 stairs, jog to work or do 100 push up we will die. Very soon.
Binge drinking has come about due to the fitness of the new being.

In the old days it was straight from work in to the local and 6 pints later you were feeling a bit happy with life and your wife isn't that bad. Due to fitness after 6 pints you've now forgotten your married and firmly believe that the 21yr old 60kg blonde only has eyes for you and not here muscle clad boyfriend.

If we stopped going to the gym there would be no binge drinking.

Nic, London, UK

Jeremy,
It's been said many times, and just as frequently forgotten: HARD CASES MAKE BAD LAW. But the dingbats who set the zeitgeist, and the media that whips them into a frenzy, neither know nor care. So get used to it - but keep kicking.

Ken Leyland, Liverpool, U.K.

You're so right Jeremy. I am sick of being told what is good and what is bad for me when I live a relatively sober existance compared to some. I know someone who is an alcoholic and the destruction of his own life is nothing compared to the control and misery he inflicts on his partner. Whilst he is merrily getting drunk, being hospitalised and then being released, she is feeling guilty for sharing a bottle or two with friends to help her with the pain of it. We analyse ourselves, convinced we are similar. We're nowhere near. Drinking is fun, and just as long as you know you can go without it, you shouldn't need to worry.

Glad you had a good holiday and good to have you back.

Jan A, London , England

Clarkson, Run for Prime Minister, Please!!!

Gary , London, UK

Soon we will enter another period of "Prohibition", history repeats itself, and we (as a Society) never really learn much do we?

We get the Government we deserve. If we don't like the Nanny-State then let's get off our collective posteriors and demand Politicians who are not slaves to PC, and let the rest of us live the way we want to, with minimal State interference!

John Robinson, Thetford, UK

But Jeremy, if 'they' didn't exist you wouldn't have a column!

john motor, london, uk

Jeremy I love you, you made me laugh out loud on a grey dismal morning in the office. Cheers!