Live~NRGY

Op-Ed: Alcohol convenience is bad for our health.

Okay – agreed. However let’s take a look at things from another perspective.

If regular ‘MEDICAL DRUGS’ such as Tylenol, Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen, et al were not available at every corner store and grocery stores, but only at the PHARMACY which operates mostly on restricted hours where would that leave you with options. Granted not the same argument – alcohol versus legal drugs.

Convenience has a price is the point. Trade offs. Personally I like the Beer Store option much better than the Alberta Liquor Store option. Hands down. But drive into Quebec and wow, love that option much better.

In Alberta, grocery stores do have Liquor Store outlets, but they are somewhat physically disconnected. Okay works, but only the BIG GUYS can afford that option.

How long before reality sets into view in Ontario, never mind B.C. One day along comes a BIG PLAYER wanting to skew the rules in those provinces. Hey things change. Right now in Ontario it’s controlled by a few players in the Beer Stores. Don’t know the history of LCBO so not on the discussion plate. BTW, yes I do love the LCBO concept. Great choices.

Point of all this is as follows. It’s inevitable. If you can buy cigarettes as I’ve talked about before and do so responsibly by adults, I see no real problem unless the law isn’t followed. That sure as the Sun rises and sets, will happen. Truly, honestly – you can probably buy ‘street drugs’ much easier anytime of day in Ontario and B.C. than beer in the stores.

I’m not argument it’s good, I’m saying that’s what it is. Have the discussion, but keep in mind this is what the BIG PLAYERS WANT for business. Level the playing field at least and let the small biz owners in on the action when the time comes.

Responsibly for everyone.