In the news and around the blogosphere there are endless mentions of the professional bansturbators who are always ready to urge for government action on their pet cause be it alcohol, salt or fat. Having never seen more than their quotes I thought I would have a look at these evil illiberal people, so welcome to the inaugural State Witchfinders league :

We start with Don Shenker who is Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern and is a prolific commenter on many news articles relating to alcohol issues.

From the website of ThirdSector :

Don Shenker has been promoted to chief executive at Alcohol Concern after spending three years as the charity’s director of policy and services.

“There has never been a better time to be knocking on government’s door to strengthen alcohol control and intervention policies,” said Shenker. “We must campaign hard for increased funding for a range of alcohol interventions and for much tighter policy controls to reduce the rising costs of alcohol misuse.”

Don Shenker, from campaign group Alcohol Concern, told the BBC the proposals would not prevent people being able to “pre-load” with alcohol from supermarkets, and would not stop pubs and clubs selling a pint of lager for under £1.

“It is just tinkering with the price issue rather than decisive action,” he said. “We need a minimum price per unit of alcohol which will affect pubs, clubs, off-licences and supermarkets.”

Don Shenker, of Alcohol Concern, welcomed the campaign and agreed parents could help steer their children away from problem drinking.

“Setting a good example by drinking responsibly also helps, as does knowing the facts and being honest with children about the harms that too much alcohol can cause,” he said.

“But the cheap price of alcohol and the barrage of advertising undoubtedly encourage young people to drink.

“If the government continues to not act on those, it is losing the battle against risky underage drinking.”

Health warnings on alcoholic drinks :

Don Shenker, the chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said there was more information on a bottle of water than on a bottle of beer or wine. “If teh Govt was serious it would have a target of 75 pc by 2012.

He said: “It’s time the Government stopped allowing the drinks industry to keep consumers in the dark and force producers to properly label their products.

“No-one is claiming labelling alone will solve the country’s drink problem but consumers deserved to know at the very least what the unit content of their drink is.”

On and on he goes, totally unaccountable and spending government money (paid to his charity) lobbying the government. I would imagine life at the Shenkers house is a real bag of laughs.

Finally, for amusement I suggest you google his name. Google.com return the following as top result :

Don Shenker is a cunt

9 Jan 2010 … Don Shenker, of Alcohol Concern, said: “Supermarkets which sell alcohol at pocket money prices are contributing to the problems which …
donshenkerisacunt.blogspot.com/ – Cached – Similar

I don’t think I need say anymore!