Pointless Alcohol Ban is Pointless

In the wake of the recent law against Happy Meals comes yet another example of meaningless government intervention. Revelation: if an individual wants to get drunk, they will simply purchase more liquor. Meanwhile, small businesses (in this case most likely local liquor stores) get punished for selling this “illicit” contraband, further crippling local commerce during an already harsh economic downturn.  Thanks, elected officials.  You never fail to disgust.

The City of San Bernardino is moving to ban some types of beer and wine sold at markets.

The City Council on Monday gave preliminary approval to a new ordinance taking aim at malt liquors and fortified wines sold in individual containers. Officials said these types alcohol can cause drinkers to become drunk quickly, and the ban is designed to improve public safety.

The ban includes:

– Beer and malt liquor in containers smaller than 40 ounces.

– Certain types of fortified wine and malt liquor sold individually instead of in factory packaging.

– Malt liquor with a high amount of alcohol.

– Hard liquor in small bottles

“Single sales is a serious public health issue,” Mayor Pat Morris told the San Bernardino Sun after the City Council passed the law. “Around those sales sites we have increased criminal activity.”

Officials said the ban will only cover markets, not restaurants. It allows the city to take action against store owners who continue to sell the banned drinks.

Posted in: Business, General