I have always been under the impression that once people reach age 21, they are mature enough, both physically and mentally, to handle decisions regarding alcohol purchase and consumption. Apparently, there are some among the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control who feel otherwise.

While we may be legally old enough to drink alcohol, some do not feel that we are mentally advanced or responsible enough to buy it at a gas station. This so-called “beer to go” is purchased conveniently, after which the adult who purchases it makes the decision to drive away with it. Perhaps I have been erroneous in my thinking for the past several years, but given the society we live in today, I believe that most things that we purchase are subsequently put into our cars and driven away. If beer is not purchased “to go,” what are we supposed to do with it? Drink it on site and continue home afterward? Seems like a very bad idea to me.

I suppose my question is: How would the DABC prefer we transfer our purchases (whatever they may be) from the point of purchase to our homes, where we are legally able to consume them?

By banning these locations from selling beer, I believe that the DABC’s efforts will result in creating the exact situation it is trying to eliminate. People will no longer have the convenience of buying beer within walking distance of their homes and will be forced to drive farther for their purchase.

I understand that the majority of Utah’s governing body does not consume alcohol. It is a widely accepted expectation that a dry state is a morally sound state. This potential “beer-ban recommendation” is little more than an abuse of power and a direct insult to the adult population of Utah, whether they drink beer or not.

Stacie Best
Sandy