I think the notion of a World No Alcohol Day fails on its face. While there is no doubt that tobacco in all forms is harmful in any amount, no such evidence exists regarding alcohol. Indeed, recent studies show positive effects of small to moderate use of alcohol. Further, the majority of the world population does NOT have a problem with alcohol. This concept needs serious rethinking.

A great idea. If successful it might highlight problems communities have with alcohol the rest of the year. A day of abstention is unlikely to be harmful. Contrary to the previous comment, the world population does have a problem with alcohol - everytime someone goes out on the highway someone else's drinking poses a threat; alcohol related violence threatens everyone. Recent studies show positive effects of small amounts on some health conditions for some populations but not for juveniles, recovering alcoholics, or if you're concerned about some cancers (alcohol is a carcinogen and recent studies indicate the risk of breast cancer rises in women from the first drink). When at work, school, child care, operating, machinery, for some health conditions, when taking some medications, alcohol - even moderate amounts - is not safe or recommended. A substantial number of usually moderate drinkers sometimes binge drink - and drink and drive. We need to get away from the marketing spin on alcohol and think about it for what it is - a profitable commercial product that always carries some risk even though it can also, consumed in low risk fashion, have beneficial and pleasurable effects.

I think this idea has potential to have an impact on many societies. Just because alcohol abuse doesn't occur in every culture doesn't mean that many people wouldn't still be willing to give it up to set an example for those cultures who tend to abuse it. Unfortunately, it's not just people in the United States who have trouble with alcohol abuse anymore - it has already spread to European countries such as England, where underage drinking becomes more common every day. I also believe that most of the world's population would like to feel safe and not have to worry about there being as many drunk drivers as there are now. With this in mind, I think that World No Alcohol Day is a great idea and that there should be proceedings to make it a reality.

i think that people won't listen to that, because they are gonna do what they wanna do, not what someone else says. It may go through but people will be throwing a fit and not listening and drinking anyway, so whats the sence of even having a alcohol free day??

America has a drinking problem. but they won't admit it, or quit drinking.I agree with "anonymous", why even try when they won't listen??

Gee, since you put it that way. I never thought of those things. Lets put alcohol under the FDA. And lets sue all those alcohol companies and make them pay for all the chaos...you know, like we did with those big bad tobacco conglomerates. We'll show them. Yeah. That's the ticket.

LOL...How about 31 December every year! LOL :)

It's about time the WHO quit bowing to the pressure of the alcohol cartel and did something about the biggest drug problem in the world - and the most destructive to health, family and society. Fifty percent of all violent crime is alcohol related, as is 1/3 of all child abuse and suicide, a large portion of divorce, absenteeism and lost productivity in the work place, 50% of highway deaths and a myriad of cancers, heart disease and stroke and many other diseases that are bankrupting health systems worldwide. A recent study found that alcohol cost the US alone &184.5billion each year.

What a wonderful idea to have a World No Alcohol Day! Adults seem unaware of the damage alcohol is doing to teens and young adults. Also many of them fail to recognize alcohol as a depressant. Alcohol is the #1 drug problem in the U.S. I welcome the opportunity to give special attention to the alcohol problem on a No Alcohol Day.

It won't stop the alcohol problem but perhaps bring some awareness to the problem. It's a good start to help people start thinking this thing through. Can anyone tell me what India and Ghandi have to do with world alcohol problem? I'm kinda lost on that.

I think its a great idea, however I'm not expecting significant changes in the early stages. It will bring a greater degree of awareness to alcohol misuse,and adults responsiblity to the young people. I hope it makes people think about the way we treat alcohol, i.e. we nearly always use it to celebrate to relax so what messages do we give young people.Companies that make Alcohol have a vested interest to make such that a day as suggested will not happen. Also Governments get a lot of revenue from Alcoholic beverages, will they be interested??? These are some of the questions I hope this day will highlight.

"World No Alcohol Day." I'll drink to that! In all seriousness, I think this is a wonderful idea. Alcohol is poison. And the resources used to produce it could be used to feed the world. Maybe we could subtitle this day "World Yes More Food Day."