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Bottoms up, cheers to liquor by the drink |
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Monday, 28 July 2008 |
To avoid hugging a toilet, the timeless saying goes, “liquor before beer never fear, beer before liquor never been sicker.”
My rendition is “Boone before liquor, gas goes quicker, liquor before Boone makes my heart swoon.”
Okay, so maybe my version isn’t as catchy (or helpful), but the point is because Boone thinks it’s above serving liquor in restaurants, I have to spend the extra money to drive out of town to enjoy an Amaretto sour with my meal – gas money I could be saving and using to spend on Boone businesses.
Since most students turn 21 at some point during their college career
and celebrate with (more than) a few shots, a significant amount of
money is being spent outside of Boone or at the local ABC store when it
could be recycled through town restaurants rather than “trashed.”
I was disappointed I had to drive to Hickory for my 21st birthday last
fall when I would have preferred to stay in my beloved town near
familiar surroundings, my apartment and friends to enjoy an evening of
festivities at Macado’s.
Instead, I killed my Boone beer buzz while traveling (with a designated driver) to a restaurant I had never been to before.
Perhaps more importantly, we ran up an impressive tab between liquor and food that could have been spent in Boone.
And speaking of a DD, those who drive out of town obviously have to
return back home and while I’d like to think we all drive responsively
with a DD, I’m not going to bet money on it.
Permitting the sale of mixed drinks in Boone would help keep people off
the road or at least reduce the driving distance and thus perhaps the
risk of accidents involving alcohol.
To keep students and locals alike from disorderly conduct, I agree with
the town’s Alcohol and Beverage Commission, which plans to monitor
underage drinking and over-intoxication by incorporating the services
of the Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE).
I also consent to the notion of better server training in restaurants
and an increased number of police around, and after, happy hour.
With such precautions in place, I’m not sure why people feel threatened by offering liquor in restaurants.
Since we’re obviously over the years of prohibition, it seems like
Boone is just barely tolerating alcohol by serving wine and beer but
not liquor.
What ever happened to equal opportunity?
It’s actively saying the people in this town can’t hold their liquor,
when in reality, I for one have a great tolerance level, thanks.
Really though, if critics are afraid that the college population and
large restaurant chains will abuse mixed drinks, then here’s an idea,
help the Boone Town Council grow a backbone and create legislation to
discipline and restrict liquor abuse.
If there’s an increase in student misconduct in correlation to liquor being served, increase ticket fees.
Nothing hurts a college student more than a punch to the wallet (well,
and jail time), especially when we’re already living off just Fruit
Loops, cranberry juice and left-over sushi (Okay, maybe that’s just me,
but I’m sure you can relate).
Therein, if large restaurant chains try to take over Boone, keep them
at bay by permitting only one new chain to the area a year or even none
at all.
The Town Council has the power to veto a request for a business to set
up shop. I remember being present at a meeting for a journalism class
while a restaurant owner outlined his family-style business while
specifically mentioning he serves wine and beer but focuses on family –
and was granted permission to start his business.
Ultimately, I respect those who disagree with my opinion that Boone
should be able to serve mixed drinks, but I feel that our student
population is mature enough and the Town Council wise enough to ensure
people and businesses don’t take advantage of being able to enjoy a
drink with dinner.
Despite the fact that the liquor by the drink vote is being held on
Aug. 19, a full week before the first day of class, I encourage those
who are registered voters in Watauga County to turn out and make their
voices heard. Until the results are available, here’s hoping – cheers.
Alisha Park, a senior journalism and music major from Mesa, Ariz., is chief photographer.
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