And on top of it now people are tip toeing around, afraid to speak out in case they are labelled a certain way. Crazy times.

And then in the next breath, are talking about equality...

Coming from Ireland, we do have a bit of a reputation as being heavy drinkers

If living in Finland, the Irish would fit right in ;)

but there really are more pubs in a town than shops. ( well most towns).

It reminds me of where I grew up in Australia. The town was about 150 years old, and had 6 almost 150 year old pubs in the only street. :D