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Big Changes for the Irish

Sitting around a table in a local bar in Dublin, Sean McTighe and his friends have come to Henry's Pub after work to indulge in a round of beers. It is a common ritual that many practice in Ireland these days. Many Irish citizens are used to drinking every evening and it is becoming problematic. It used to be that the Irish and its government considered consuming alcohol its "National Sport". Kelly Cunnigham, a local bartender at O'Reilly's in Dublin commented "It's just what we do," with a shrug. Recently the Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has vowed to crack down on alcohol abuse in Ireland. Warning labels have been slapped on bottles and restrictions have been placed on TV and radio advertisements for alcoholic beverages. Ahern has even proposed banning happy hour altogether. The Irish who are used to leaving work and going directly to the local pub should start thinking about seeking alternative pastimes. Ireland will also, as of January 1, become the first European country to ban smoking in all places of employment, including pubs and restaurants. It used to be the case that even the non smokers were forced to accept smelling like ashtrays after spending time in the smokey establishments, but this will no longer be a problem. Soon, the smokers will have to get used to smoking outside. Most of the Irish public supports Ahern in these changes. Alcohol consumption has gone up 46 percent in Ireland since 1990 and it is estimated that one fourth of Ireland's emergency room cases are now alcohol related. Some of Adhern's changes will take time to get used to, but many are optimistic about the positive results these changes will bring.

Questions

Choose the best explanation for the following phrases…
  1. "consumption" means: 
  2. "slap on" means: 
  3. "crack down" means: 
  4. "happy hour" means:
  5. "round of beers" means: 
Are the following sentences correct?

1.   There will be an increase of TV advertisements warning people of the dangers of drinking alcohol.

2.   Alcohol consumption has decreased since 1990.

3.   25 percent of Ireland's emergency room cases are now alcohol related.

4.   Ireland will be the first European country to ban smoking from its pubs and restaurants.

5.   Most people are opposed to the new changes regarding drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes.