Shadow Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley has warned Bermuda could be headed for the lawlessness of Jamaica if anti-social behaviour and the abuse of alcohol and drugs continue to escalate.

Sen. Dunkley yesterday expressed his concern at the binge drinking culture in the Island's bars and nightclubs, and the increase of drugs on our streets. The Opposition Senate Leader expanded on comments made in the Senate on Wednesday, in which he spoke on the perils of Bermuda's drinking culture.

As Senators debated the Liquor Licence Amendment Act 2010, Sen. Dunkley said he worried about the safety of his own daughters, aged 20 and 23.

In just the past couple of years he said, bars and nightclubs had grown more violent, with this often linked to excessive alcohol consumption.

"My wife and I take a great deal of time to nurture our children and even though they're grown up, when they go out I don't tend to sleep at night, because we're concerned," he said.

"Now you can be in a group just chilling and stuff can happen, like we saw at The Beach (a fight) and at Ice Queen (a shooting the same night), just a few weeks ago. I'm very concerned about it. There are few places off-limits now."

Sen. Dunkley said he worried for the personal safety of young Bermudians and the possibility of them being caught up as innocent bystanders in a bar brawl.

"I am well aware of how people can act and carry on, and the attitude for violence rather than discussion," he said.

"There are many young people who like to go out and there are a lot of good places around Bermuda where they can have fun.

"There are many young people even though they're of drinking age, don't drink that much. But we have a culture in which it's acceptable to drink at any time and any place.

"I don't like to see our brothers and sisters falling foul to a lifestyle which will not be conducive for them."

Sen. Dunkley also called for more communication between security staff and the Police, to help stem violence. "I've talked to people in the security industry who say very few of the Police will come around and see what's going on. To be effective, you need collaboration."

He also suggested introducing a system of asking everyone purchasing alcohol or a drink in a bar to produce an ID card.

"People should always be carded for alcohol," he said. "I'm very supportive of what the Attorney General (Kim Wilson) is going to do but I believe we can still make huge strides going forward."

He said: "You've seen what has happened in Jamaica We could be there in five years time. If we don't stop binge drinking and abuse of drugs we will go down that slippery slope."

A story in yesterday's The Royal Gazette incorrectly reported Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley telling the Senate that he worried about his daughters going out and getting "totally obliterated".

In fact Sen. Dunkley said: "It is sad for me as a Bermudian who cares about my brothers and sisters to see them go out at night and get totally obliterated."

At no time did he state that this was a reference to his daughters. He was referring to young Bermudians generally.

The Royal Gazette apologises for the error and any embarrassment it may have caused Sen. Dunkley and his family.