Some incredible news last week, following the publication of the results of two linked Dutch and Canadian investigations  into alcohol and hangovers.  In fact, I was so shaken that I had to sit down and drink a glass of whisky just to steady myself.

The co-ordinator of the two investigations, a Professor Joris Vester, examining the results and relying, no doubt, upon  years of study and experience, concluded that “the more you drink the more likely you are to get a hangover”. Like I said, incredible.

Incredible that it took the examination of thousands of participants, not to mention the cost of the investigations themselves, to reveal what any small town drinker could have told the learned professor for free!

The second conclusion, and in fairness, one that is perhaps not so obvious, is that, scientifically at least, there is no such thing as a hangover cure. So, all those sure-fire cures such as a pint of water before bedtime, a greasy breakfast or some hair of the dog are mere placebos at best. But I reckon that most drinkers could have told him that too.

It seems to me that the obvious scenario with alcohol is either not to drink it at all or to know your limit and stick to it. Recognise your “full” sign and either switch to water or go home to bed and avoid any necessity of finding the perfect cure for your hangover! Common sense really.