It appears that Arizona is taking a bold step forward into the twentieth century. State legislators are laying the groundwork to rescind restrictions on Sunday liquor sales.
It’s not as if it’s been exactly puritanical. We’re already a far cry from Pennsylvania, as I’ve noted before. But when one becomes used to picking up a six-pack or a bottle of wine at the grocery store, it’s been a bit of a hassle to remember on Sunday that you can’t buy it until after 10. So much for getting that shopping trip out of the way early.
Now we’ve got a Democrat from Tucson touting the additional tax revenues for the state (as if people weren’t going to buy the booze later anyway) and also the advantage of allowing hotel maids to restock mini-bars (is this tossing a bone to labor or what?); and a Republican from Paradise Valley applauding the freedom to buy booze without the government saying when you can and can’t. I’m just waiting for some loony from Mesa to take the opposing viewpoint in support of public morality.
Don’t forget, this is the state that sold its capitol building in a leaseback deal and closed interstate rest stops. I don’t think many citizens will be fazed by ownership technicalities concerning architecture, but I for one feel the strain on my bladder out in the middle of nowhere. And if we get to start drinking earlier on Sundays, it’s only going to become more painful.
As one person commented, it’s all very well to champion the freedom to buy booze, but how about pot? Freedom has its limits, after all – or does it? That will be a real test for the libertarian right, because if California votes for legalization this fall, tourism is sure to surge in Needles, Blythe, and tiny Winterhaven. Then wait and see how the Arizona legislature feels about lost revenue opportunities....
It’s not as if it’s been exactly puritanical. We’re already a far cry from Pennsylvania, as I’ve noted before. But when one becomes used to picking up a six-pack or a bottle of wine at the grocery store, it’s been a bit of a hassle to remember on Sunday that you can’t buy it until after 10. So much for getting that shopping trip out of the way early.
Now we’ve got a Democrat from Tucson touting the additional tax revenues for the state (as if people weren’t going to buy the booze later anyway) and also the advantage of allowing hotel maids to restock mini-bars (is this tossing a bone to labor or what?); and a Republican from Paradise Valley applauding the freedom to buy booze without the government saying when you can and can’t. I’m just waiting for some loony from Mesa to take the opposing viewpoint in support of public morality.
Don’t forget, this is the state that sold its capitol building in a leaseback deal and closed interstate rest stops. I don’t think many citizens will be fazed by ownership technicalities concerning architecture, but I for one feel the strain on my bladder out in the middle of nowhere. And if we get to start drinking earlier on Sundays, it’s only going to become more painful.
As one person commented, it’s all very well to champion the freedom to buy booze, but how about pot? Freedom has its limits, after all – or does it? That will be a real test for the libertarian right, because if California votes for legalization this fall, tourism is sure to surge in Needles, Blythe, and tiny Winterhaven. Then wait and see how the Arizona legislature feels about lost revenue opportunities....
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