They just banned the import of Shaka in Cuba. This is a mix of whisky with an energy drink that, over the past couple of months, had dominated the party scene here.
The Ministry of Health took this measure based on the number of alcohol poisonings, especially among young people, that the drink had caused. On social media, several users commented on the wisdom of the decision, pointing out that energy drinks and vodka are still sold separately and that the mix could easily be recreated manually without any problem.
I say the same thing. The ban is useless if the rest of alcoholic beverages remain legal. Still, I also believe that as an emergency measure it was the right call, since young people’s perception of risk is very low, which makes it dangerous for this drink to continue being consumed without control.
The downside of living so long uninformed about the global world is that when we try to do a little of what can be done elsewhere, everything comes out crooked and we don’t apply the best options to contain it.
Banning Shaka won’t be a problem in the future. However, I know of other things where prohibition doesn’t solve the issue they created. Rather, the way it was introduced or handled wasn’t adequate, and with a simple change of method things would naturally settle.
Prohibition is almost never well regarded. Prevention takes a bit more work. Prohibition is easier. That’s why I think those in charge will always have prohibition carved into their brain cortex. It’s a shame we don’t work on seeking dialogue, because I believe that through conversation good agreements can be reached that benefit us as a society.
But you know, those who dominate don’t want to give up even a bit of control. That’s true in Cuba or on the Moon. Everywhere we’re rotten.
Ps: I never can't taste it.
English isn't native language. Twxt translated with DeepL