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Commentary: Wet vs. Dry in Adair County

See also: Tracking the discussion: wet vs dry in Adair County KY

Personal commentary by Doug Beard

Author's Note: This is a follow-up article to my in-depth discussion of "wet" vs. "dry" which was featured in Columbia Magazine on February 11th (Commentary: Wet vs. Dry in Adair County). I hope that everyone will revisit this important article before making your decision on March 22nd. It's lengthy but it provides an expanded overview of this important issue.

My goal is that my articles will cause positive and meaningful discussions on a decision which will have lasting impact the future of our county.

From my original article, I would like to re-emphasize five points that I feel are most critical to consider in this debate.

  1. All persons of legal drinking age (LDA) should have the right to decide if consumption of beverage alcohol is a "lifestyle choice" they wish to make. Those who make the choice to drink should have the opportunity to purchase alcohol in their respective area. Their options should not be conducting illegal transactions or making a "road trip" to secure their beverages. A vote for "dry" endorses the continuation of illegal sales of beverage alcohol. It's readily available in our county, has been for decades, and is really not subject to debate.

  2. Certainly one of the most important things we can do around the use of beverage alcohol is education related to personal choices, lifestyle implications and responsible consumption, especially in the formative years of our young people.

    This must be taught in the homes and must be a critical element in our educational curriculum. This must be mandatory training for our high school students, especially those seniors that will be going away to college or entering the work force upon graduation.

    It's a fact that many students that go away from home for the first time without proper education in alcohol use and responsibility, often fall victim to a pattern of substance abuse which sadly can lead to a destructive life style with devastating results.

    The "Dry" forces emphasize that "saving the family" is at the forefront of this issue. What could be possibly be more important for our young people than proper education related to beverage alcohol? It can't just be a "NO" sign in a yard. It must be open discussion where all of the facts are presented. They will make their own decisions as they move out into the world. Let's make sure they have the knowledge and tools to make smart decisions.

    There is much more information available to interested parties through the web-sites of such organizations and the Century Council and The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). They provide wonderful resources related to alcohol responsibility. I encourage everyone to utilize these resources.

  3. In a "wet county", you must be 21 years of age to purchase beverage alcohol. If the licensed store or facility violates the policy, they are subject to ABC license suspension or in cases or repeated offenses, the revoking of their licenses. This is not risk that investors who have spent many thousands of dollars are willing to take. Again, responsibility works.

  4. To believe more incidents of drinking and driving do not occur more often when people have to drive elsewhere to purchase or consume beverage alcohol is a myth and violates the notion of responsibilty. I personally know many Adair residents that drive to another town for dinner so they can enjoy wine or a cocktail with their meal. It's probably not practical for them to take a cab ride home, call UBER, or ask a friend to pick them up from another county. If this is the case, they should always plan to have a designated driver, that demonstrates responsibility.

  5. We do lose revenue to other counties where beverage alcohol is purchased. Dollars spent in other counties are dollars not spent in Adair County. Not only are tax dollars involved, but also revenue lost in food and beverage purchases (new dining venues), and local employment opportunities. I don't think anyone can accurately predict the revenue that we will gain in the county, but at this point, any additional funds to help our struggling economy should be welcomed. I'm sure our friends and neighbors in Russell County are looking forward to a brighter future now that they have ended Prohibition.

I was pleased to see that Adair County is applying for full "Work Ready Community" status. Let's vote to make this a progressive area that corporations will now actually consider in their expansion and development programs.

That's a good thing for all of us! Thank you! --Doug Beard

This story was posted on 2016-02-27 09:18:26
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Bell House, Metcalfe Co. KY, just added to National Register

J.O.Y. Ministries opening new Crisis Resource Center

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ACHS Academic Team advances to State Championships

Link: Report in CKNJ/Likely Wet/Dry Election in Taylor Co., KY

View even more articles in topic News
  

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