The Discussion > Convenience Liquor Sales
Bill I agree with you.
If I were to buy beer from one of the many liquor stores or Jewel it is cold already, how is that different? Buying cold beer does not mean people are cracking them open when they get in the car. Yes, I realize that some people may be doing so but these people would do so whether they buy the cold beer at a gas station or Jewel.
I like the idea of being able to pick up a six pack of my favorite malted beverage when I fill up with gas. It is convienent one stop shopping.
As far as my girls go, I hope they learn about responsible drinking from the example my wife and I set and not from any one else but time will tell on that one.
Michael Claussen
Tim & Mike: There is a lot of truth in both of your posts. I'll try and qualify my position with examples. But before I do that, let me say that I believe the large majority of business are responsible members of our community. Additionally, our Des Plaines Police are tough on those businesses who make poor decisions and offer alcohol to underage shoppers.
Earlier this year Walgreens was interested in offering alcohol to their customers. I voted against the measure and lost in a 6-2 vote. A month or so later, a tequila wholesaler (business to business) sought a license to sell from a warehouse in an industrial corridor. I supported this license and it passed 8-0.
There is no right and wrong answer here and reasonable people can disagree. I don't think we need to see alcohol at every one-stop-shop and gas station in town. A new retail license doesn't just mean beer in the cooler, it also means signage and displays to promote the product...I'm concerned about our image. But most importantly, more retail licenses mean more opportunity for underage sales.
When people think of Des Plaines I don't want 4am bars and cold beer at the gas station to be the first thing that comes to mind.
Alderman Matt Bogusz
A benefit would be for the City of Des Plaines to realize more tax revenue from the sale of liquor license to the gas station as well as person who fills up their car then purchases a 6 pack to bring home because it is easy to do so, one stop shopping.
Just because a store offers to sell liquor cold doesn’t mean that a driver will think it is ok to drink & drive.
We shouldn’t count on government or society to teach our children what is right/wrong, that is the parent’s responsibility.
Bill Epcke
Matt: Can you say where you stand on the sale of liquor at gas stations?
From my point of view, there is absolutely no need to have more places in Des plaines selling liquor. It is very available already. I tyhink there are more liquor stores than grocery stores and they all sell liquor. Why more? There is no public purpose to make it more convenient by selling it at gas stations. It is the wrong environment to sell liquor, especially cold. We would send the wrong message to our children about drinking and driving. If liquor must be sold then sell it only WARM at gas stations. Lets work to improve Des Plaines, not bring it down.