Drinking laws should be enforced equally
There has been controversy surrounding a desire by the county’s beer board to stop drinking at Country Club Market.
In actuality, there shouldn’t be a controversy at all. In fact, the situation is as cut and dry as it gets.
Country Club Market doesn’t have a permit for on-premises consumption of beer. The market does have a picnic table area set up where customers have been known to gather and enjoy beer. Even the new market owner concedes this takes place and he is eager for the tradition to continue since it has the potential to boost business.
The problem is on-premises consumption permits are not granted to convenience stores. And they shouldn’t be.
District Attorney Dale Potter phrased it appropriately when he said we don’t need people drinking at convenience stores. That’s absolutely correct.
Drinking a beer, or beers, and then immediately hopping behind the wheel is not an ideal situation. Reducing alcohol-related accidents and driving offenses has been a continual point of emphasis, and based on the trend over the past six years, Warren County is faring well in the job of getting drunk drivers off the road. That campaign isn’t strengthened by allowing people to drink beer at convenience stores.
The issue has been somewhat clouded by comments about where the beer drinkers work, and what time they drink beer. There’s also been mention that this has gone on for years and nothing has ever been done. Why should the county enforce the law now?
The simple reason is because it’s the law and because Country Club Market does not have a permit for on-premises consumption. Until that changes, the law must be enforced.