Starting May 15thwithin a designated “Alcohol Impact Zone” in the downtown core of Spokane, it will be illegal to sell certain cheap alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption in an attempt to curtail activities associated with chronic public inebriation. The ban specifically asks for the state liquor control board to control the sale of a “banned” list containing 32 products above 5.5% ABV, mostly malt liquors and fortified wines.
One can see the viewpoint of those that wish to clean up the image of downtown because it would entice more businesses to invest in the core while also providing their potential customers a safer environment within which to do their shopping. However, there are a couple of businesses whose sales will surely suffer from the ban on certain beverages. Apparently the city is looking for an aggregate positive effect and relying on businesses to adapt. After a seven year period of asking for “voluntary compliance” (and getting very little) as well as a lengthy petition process, businesses can not complain that they didn’t receive fair warning.
When reading the Resolution, I was relieved to see that the ban was not going to be arbitrary based on alcohol percentage. A lot of the craft ales you can purchase at the Main Market, to name one business within the core, are naturally above 5.5% ABV and I would be sad to see them lose that section of the merchandise, not least because I know the wine and beer purchaser.
There will now be an ongoing discussion on the social impact this measure truly will have and it is sure to last a long time. Will the “chronically inebriated” population of Spokanites disperse to other corners of the city, undaunted in their quest for a cheap buzz? How well will businesses adapt, despite the loss in revenue?
It is unavoidable that a small percentage of people will abuse alcohol. When produced using cheap adjuncts and marketed to lower income populations, beer has proven to be very harmful and is likely to increase rampant alcohol abuse. When produced with wholesome ingredients with a respect for the well being of the community that is going to consume it coupled with vigorous public education as to the adverse and advantageous effects of alcohol consumed in moderation, beer can have a very positive effect on a community and the world.
Brew and consume responsibly.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/apr/07/cheap-beer-wine-sales-banned-downtown-after-may-15/
http://media.spokesman.com/documents/2010/04/liquor.pdf
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