No!! It's Sunday!! You can't have it!! Bad heathen!!
A week and a half ago, a bill went before committee in the Georgia state legislature. Sponsored by a Midland Republican named Seth Harp, the bill would allow local jurisdictions to decide whether or not to allow sales of alcohol by grocery and package stores on Sunday. Similar bills have failed for the past two years running, and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue has more or less vowed to veto this one should it make it out of committee and the state legislature. This despite the fact that 65% of people polled in Georgia say that this sort of thing ought to be decided by individuals, and not the government. This, despite the fact that the tax revenue on Sunday sales could go a long way toward narrowing the gap of the state’s budget shortfall.
So, here’s where the Atlanta Midtown Bars Examiner uses his public platform to comment on the asininity of those hangers-on who believe that the prohibition of alcohol sales on Sunday is actually a good idea, and that it’s justified and right. My arguments here are a conglomeration and/or summation of countless arguments I’ve heard and thought of myself. There are probably other points to consider, but I’m limited in space, so this is what you get. In fact, you’re going to get this in two parts – look for “Alcohol Bans Are Stupid, Part Deux” later on in the week.
Alcohol Ban, Excuse #1
Okay. First of all, the thumpers, as they shall heretofore be (unfairly?) called, posit two major defenses against Sunday sales. One is a weak attempt at practicality and public safety: that Sunday sales will contribute to a rise in drunk driving and underage drinking.
That’s just dumb. Just so you know, another bill was submitted in conjunction with this one that would crack down on underage drinking – so the guys who are pushing this thing are NOT pushing for the end of civilization as we know it. They are responsible, practical adults who recognize that other adults should be allowed to make individual decisions without government interference, and that yes, teenagers should be policed a little more – until they prove themselves responsible adults as well.
Why It's Dumb
The thumpers hold by this defense despite the fact that Georgia is one of only three states with this kind of ban (the other two are Connecticut and Indiana), and that there is no conclusive evidence of any increase in alcohol-related incidents on Sundays in any of the states that have lifted such a ban. Also, Georgia allows sales of alcohol “on premises” – that is, in bars and restaurants – on Sunday. So you’re gonna tell me that it’s okay for me to go to a bar, get a buzz, then wind my way home. But God forbid I go, get a six pack, take it home, then proceed to catch my buzz a mi casa – and NEVER GET BEHIND THE WHEEL. That makes sense.
Besides, smart Sunday drinkers already circumvent the law by making their purchases on Saturday. Effective law, I must say.
Let’s face it, though: those guys who try to hide their real motives behind practicality are just wimps. Props to the thumpers who don’t attempt to hide their thumperness. Although I disagree with them, I at least respect their honesty and fervor.
That's enough for the moment - this op ed of mine is getting a little long. So time to say goodbye. I’ll pick up where I left off in a few days.
It’s Sunday afternoon now: time to head to my favorite local watering hole….
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