Liquor predictions haven’t come true
It’s been six months since McMinnville voters approved liquor by the drink. Since that time, the predictions made by people on both sides of the issue have turned out to be less than accurate.
The cloud of evil that was supposed to accompany liquor by the drink has not materialized. Neither have the restaurants – and economic prosperity – that were said to be waiting at Warren County’s doorstep the moment liquor was approved. Truth be told, McMinnville doesn’t appear to be the least bit different than before the liquor by the drink referendum passed.
The Standard realizes six months isn’t the longest amount of time. But half a year is also ample time to reflect on what was undoubtedly the hottest issue of 2002.
Since liquor by the drink is here, let’s examine the claims made by the pro-liquor campaign. Those folks were for liquor because of the economic growth it would bring.
Liquor by the drink would enhance tourism, or at least that’s what we were told by the pro-liquor camp. Every family about to load up the SUV and unfold a road map would suddenly be drawn to Warren County if we had liquor by the drink.
Remember when we were told liquor by the drink would bring jobs? Ha!
We would sure like to see those jobs right now. With downsizing and layoffs taking place throughout the county, it’s a safe bet it will take more than a strawberry daiquiri to bring new industry and stimulate economic growth in this town.
But we can’t forget about the flip side of the coin. The anti-liquor group warned us Warren County would become an evil deathtrap once liquor by the drink arrived.
We are very thankful to report that has not been the case. Since liquor by the drink has been approved, there has not been a fatal car wreck that was the result of a drunk driver. In fact there have been remarkably few accidents at all where an impaired driver has been behind the wheel. For this, the Standard is truly grateful.
DUI cases have not flooded the court docket any more than usual. The crime rate has not soared through the ceiling. We can walk the streets with the same feeling of safety we had before the Nov. 5 vote.
Maybe six months is too early to tell. Perhaps Warren County needs more time before we can accurately gauge the impact of liquor by the drink.
Or maybe liquor by the drink won’t be the miraculous potion that cures all of Warren County’s economic woes. And maybe it’s not the source of all evil.
Maybe liquor by the drink will just give people who would like a drink the chance to buy one. Nah, it couldn’t be that simple.