"What on earth are they thinking?"

“What on earth are they thinking?”
Former judge supports e-petition against Urdd’s decision to sell alcohol on the Maes

Former High Court Judge Dewi Watkin Powell has expressed his grave concern following the Urdd’s decision to supply alcohol to drink for the first time at the Urdd Eisteddfod in May. He argues the decision goes totally against its founding principles and is “unwise and extremely dangerous”. He calls on the organisation to not take advantage of the granted licence to sell alcohol on the Maes as it is not too late to do so.

Following the decision of Urdd Gobaith Cymru to allow alcohol to be sold on the Eisteddfod site for the first time in Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion in May 2010, an e-petition has been launched to ask the Welsh Assembly to consider only funding future Urdd Eisteddfodau on condition that alcohol is not sold on the Eisteddfod site..

In supporting the e-petition, Dewi Watkin Powell, said, “This decision by the Urdd is completely against its founding principles which are to be faithful to Wales, fellow man and Christ. The decision to sell alcohol on the Maes does not tally with any of these.

“It is pretty simple, the more sources of alcohol available, more the drinking and more the offences. Around 90% of the cases of attacks on people at home and on the street that came before the courts 25 years ago, occurred as a result of the effects of drink. All the evidence points to the fact the situation is even worse today. It is also clear the vast majority of offences which take place in the home at night arise because of drinking, which serves not only to undermine the family unit but also the wider community eventually.

“The message the Urdd now portrays to the youth of Wales is that it is a good thing to drink. As a result, the Urdd is undoubtedly creating a danger that there will be a further increase in the numbers who become dependent on alcohol. The children will see older people drinking and get the impression it is completely acceptable to follow their example.”

Wynford Ellis Owen, Chief Executive, The Welsh Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, said, “Dewi Watkin Powell’s support is a great boost for our campaign and through this e-petition we hope we can persuade the Welsh Assembly to reconsider its funding for this event until the Urdd reverses its decision to serve alcohol at the Eisteddfod.”

Instigated by the Welsh Council for Alcohol and Other Drugs, the e-petition is an opportunity for anyone who has concerns about the decision to register their concerns with the Assembly. The petition No alcohol on the Urdd National Eisteddfod site can be accessed at http://www.assemblywales.org/gethome/e-petitions/eform-sign-petition.htm