To this observer, the Seattle City Council members enjoy sitting in their high chairs drafting proposals that address problems but don’t solve them. The comments below, from a local police officer, seems to agree (link to original blog entry on this topic):
Being in police work, I too have struggled with the best way to encourage stores not to sell to homeless people and alcoholics when they frequent their stores. An AIA doesn't necessarily help as stores are always looking for an extra buck, and alcoholics have no brand loyalty. They have preferences, but no loyalty.
So, how do you solve this social ill? Two ways, police need to actively fine stores for over-service and arrest the clerks for the same over-service. This, of course, takes precious man power for an otherwise minor offense, but once a clerk/store gets arrested/fined, the practice would likely stop instantly. I have conducted several breath tests on homeless people and many of them blow a blood/alcohol level well over .20, or 2 1/2 times the legal limit. They buy constantly because they need alcohol to maintain their lifestyle and avoid withdrawals.
The second way, beer is too cheap. When you can buy an 18-pack of beer for $9.99, you are looking at about $0.55 per beer. Pop in the vending machine in front of the store is close to $0.75 or $1. Fitness drinks that are good for you, are anywhere from $1-2 each. A six-pack of beer is cheaper than a pack of cigarettes! I can't think of anyone that was blatantly killed by a nicotine-induced driver.
The State should raise the price of beer (or the tax) to make it harder to obtain, or more of a consideration before plunking down your money. Then again, raising the price increases the number of alcohol related thefts.
It's a circle...where does it start...because it never ends...
Seattle seems to have a lack of faith in its people. 1) Not having confidence that they can create a program that actually rehabs alcoholics, and; 2) in trying to solve a problem of 2,000 people, they take away the right of many more.
Seattle creates an environment for binge drinking. Some venues, especially concerts, cordon off an area where you can drink alcohol. However, you are not allowed to take it out of that area. So instead of enjoying one beer you have to pound them in this little area. This new proposal will only increase binge drinking with the same effect, instead of buying one can of beer people will buy a six-pack. This could potentially create a new problem possibly leading to more binge drinking and new alcoholics.
Street alcoholics, alcoholics in general do live in a vicious circle. Although hard to pinpoint a starting point, contrary to this officer's opinion, it can end.
There have been numbers of people that when under the right treatment can battle their disease. Yes it’s hard work, but isn’t the City Council supposed to work for the people? Or are these alcoholics not people?
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