Originally Posted by KitEKats4Eva!  I don't agree 100% with the whole `it's my choice' argument.
It is, and for those posting here, we are responsible adults who make responsible decisions. Unfortunately, many of those out there are NOT responsible adults, they might have children but they don't look after them properly, they don't even look after themselves properly. Leaving such things down to the discretion of the individual doesn't always work - as you so tragically found out when your daughter died in that accident, Neet.
Responsibility for community is one of the better sides of society. That is why we have laws, rules and regulations. No, you cannot control one's drinking or their decision to drink, but you can regulate what is made available to protect those in our community not capable of protecting themselves.
Going by the arguments here, nothing should be illegal, nothing should be kept from us, because it's all our choice. That's not realistic. Cocaine is illegal because when people become addicted to it, their capacity for decision-making is diminished. We discourage children from smoking, and have age-specific laws regarding smoking, because it's not only hazardous for them, but for the greater environment. And don't tell me kids don't smoke - I started when I was 11, and yes it was my choice, but I wasn't old enough to know any better, I hid it from my parents so they couldn't kick my butt.
It's not enough to say that responsibility lies with the individual. Ultimately, yes of course it does, but without the knowledge of availability provided by retail outlets, advertising and other media, much of those decisions could be altered or prevented. I never knew about Fluff before I saw it in the supermarket. It might not kill me, but it's not good for me, and if it wasn't on the shelf I never would have known about it.
The same holds true with these games. No, they don't force you to drink irresponsibly, but they help you to do so should you choose to, which is in conflict with the obligation of the retailer to not provide items with the potential for harm. A consciousness to provide a safe environment for the people who make up a community is a lot of what makes us civilised - we should be thankful that there are people out there who care enough to try to protect us. It's a civil privilege, that has evolved into a civil right.
I applaud their decision.
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