23 12 2013

Topics aired 23 December 2013

DZIQ 990 AM– Too many Flemish cafes give beers and alcoholic drinks to teenagers aged 14, 15 & 16. Paul Van den Meerssche, head inspector of FOD Volksgezondheid (Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment) says he had enough after the death of Winok Wybo (15). The boy staggered last week in the water and drowned after a party with too much alcohol.
The auditors of the FPS Public Health ( Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment ) checked the past year 2,000 pubs and shops selling alcohol to teenagers under sixteen.

According to Van den Meerssche, “The problem needs to be addressed at a higher level. I think there is only one solution, and that is a Constitutional amendment, so that all alcohol is forbidden to eighteen years, as in most European countries. It is the only way to prevent, 14-year-olds going to pubs and ordering beers and alcoholic drinks and the night finally ends in a tragedy.”

– Meanwhile, at least 70 policemen were injured in a riot in Hamburg, Germany. The riots broke out during a demonstration against the imminent closure of the cultural center Rote Flora. The police put water cannons after protesters threw them with stones, bottles and fireworks. There are more than 7,000 people participated in the demonstration. More than half were left extremist. A police officer was taken to hospital unconscious after he was hit by a stone. The cultural center Rote Flora exists for over 20 years now and mostly occupied by African refugees.

– In Britain, Prince William and his wife Kate bought a black, bullet proof Flying Spur Bentley for 300,000 euro or $410,348. It has a hand-made interior, built-in Wi-Fi, chilled champagne holder and of course all the latest technology available. All nice, specially for attending official royal functions but for the British car maker they are still more concerned for the safety of the royal couple and their child Prince George, future king of England. Therefore, even the wheels remain in a blow out function. An attacker can be deterred by a speaker. Just one minus factor, the car is ecologically unfriendly. For every 100 kilometers, Bentley slurps 15 liters of gasoline.

That’s all for now…See you again on Wednesday, same time, same station. Take care everyone. I care for you.

About The Author

Arlene Andes

Public & Press Relations Officer / Journalist / Radio & TV Personality Belgium