Would the Presence of Liquor store in a community affect your opinion of that community?

This is an old topic in the south in nc there are still several dry counties all this means is that residents have to drive alittle further for liquor, and give the tax dollars to another community.

Joshua,  if you really want the question answered as stated my vote would be that availability of a liquor is a definite plus.  That is, I would want one in the general vicinity although I can't remember the last time I was in one.  But, yes, a plus.  The general wording almost seems to hint at this being a subtle attempt to enforce a conservative agenda of which the liquor store is but one element.

You feel there are strong negatives and that they are more difficult to express.  Why would that be ?

Yeah, I would prefer that community over one that did not have a liquor store :>). Like Rebecca mentioned, not having a liquor store does not mean people in that town won't drink, it just means they will go somewhere else to purchase their beverage of choice. Not only does this effect the town's income from additional tax proceeds you may also create a situation where residents go outside of town to drink and therefore are may be more likely to drink and drive.

I would like to hear some of the reasons against having a liquor store myself. 

Joshua, If a community does NOT have a liquor store that is a drawback. I live in such a community and we have to drive 30 minutes to purchase. People coming form other parts of the country are horrified that they can't buy wine or liquor. Wise up people...this 2007!!

Ever since the liquor stores went from government run to private years ago we have seen an increase in the number of stores.  I think that in some communities it may have harmed them but in others the owners of the business have made a point to make the store a more presentable, boutique style store and they have actually become assets to the community (wine stores for example).  If a community does not like the store they don't shop there and the success of the business will usually determine if it stays or not...

I will say this...

West Boca Raton has only 2-3 liquor stores... West Boynton Beach has 1...

I think that some people in planning and zoning and community development feel that they do have a negative impact

I don't see an issue with liquor stores... but there is an issue with some of the businesses.  There is a nice store here in Smokerise.  Attractive exterior, good product, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.  On my visits (about once a year) they always seem to be able to help me find what I am looking for.  There is another store, that is a little closer.  Crappy exterior, limited selection, and it looks like they are just waiting for the next robbery attempt.  They aren't good for the property values.

Bill: If you're referring to the post, then you're sadly mistaken.  If you are referring to the quote from the Mayor, then I won't deny that he has some strong conservative ties.  Dacula is known as a Family community and although the media likes to paint that as evangelical or conservative, I think you'd find quite a diverse population there.  That's evidenced by the online vote being split.

Mark:  The reasons posted by the community would be easier accees to alchohol by minors. More drunk driving opportunities within the city.  Loitering and a potential increase in gang related activity.   My reasons are purely from a perceived value that this community has as a small FAMILY FIRST town. 

I'd say the concern is that as soon as you allow one in, you can't control the owners or at least how the run the store.  There ARE nice liquor stores out there, but you never know when one will go downhill.

My observations when I lived in New York City, were that there was a liquor store on every other block in the rougher areas of town. Not so in the better areas.

But I always wondered why the City would issue permits to so many liquor stores within a small radius?

Hey, if they carry great wine, I'd consider it to be a good neighbor

The presence or lack of a liquor store wouldn't have any affect on my opinion of a community. I don't see the connection between having a liquor store and not being family friendly.

I would say that it is not drinking that causes trouble, but people who are DRUNK that cause trouble.......

The bible does not condemn drinking....Jesus even drank wine.....

The bible condemns getting DRUNK.......which is far different than just drinking......There are numerous verses in proverbs pertaining to being drunk....and they are all unflattering about the subject.....

People have to be self controlled about their drinking beer or wine...... THAT is the problem.... not selling the wine or beer.

BTW -- I do NOT drink...when I was 19 I found the practice to be much more trouble than it was worth..... if I drink, I drink non-alcoholic beer or non-alcoholic wine....and a bottle of non-alcoholic wine is VERY good!

The taste of the wine, the aroma and the feel of the wine on your palete is perfect while on a date with a special person or celebrating an event or holiday with family or friends. Non-alcoholic wine will NOT get you drunk, and the better wines are fantastic!!

I get my wines at the grocery store....NOT a liquor store....

=-)

It isn't as much the product but the manner in which the product is delivered. See we have a huge liquor store in the shopping center with the neighborhood grocery, subway, dry cleaners etc. This store fits into the shopping center and provides a servcie in a well amitained and clean atmosphere....it is a plus to our community because of the manner they run the business.   

I see a lot of posts about wine.  If you like wine, you certainly wouldn't be buying it in a liquor store in Georgia.  They carry wine (as do the grocery stores) but the selection is anything but what an actual conniseur would want.

Paul,

I think if it was integrated in the right way it would definitely be a plus.  Most of the integrated liquor stores in our county are next to pawn shops and have bars over the windows.   Not an asset.

Tara - Thanks for your comments.  I think it's understood that liquor stores in general don't go and round up gangs, homeless or just miscreants.  It's just like field of dreams, you build and they will come.  I can go either way with the issue.  I'm guessing from your viewpoint that you'd rather see people walking on the side of the rode with paperbags, then passing a teenager wrapped around a tree on the way home.

Hey, I drink, drink, drink, drink and dont drive or cause trouble, but I'm tired of driving 20-30 minutes to get alcohol.  Just because we drink does not mean we would cause trouble, or make the neighborhood bad.  I mean, you drive for it anyway, so what is the difference that a package store would bring down a community? If that was the case neighborhoods would have been torn down or crime rate increased because the alcoholics already live there.