[Locke]

I think a few things have to be understood in regards to this.

I firmly believe in an open liquor license City-wide, hell, Nationally. But we also have to understand that such a monumental cultural shift would not come without consequences, especially during the learning curve.

The point in this instance though isnt that these business owners want to turn 17th ave into a non-stop Red Mile.

Thats not typically the point of an open liquor license, this is more of an incentive for people to stroll along 17th with their preferred beverage.

The main reason I'm a supporter of this is because I believe that our culture needs to change our perception in regards to alcohol.

The fact that we cant have a beer and play softball or have some drinks in a park after a soccer game, or just have a drink while I'm out walking my dog without risking a ticket or public outrage is asinine.

I understand that there will be abuses and every time there is I know that Mrs. Lovejoy will be right there, front and centre, to make sure its on the front page of every newspaper and broadcast loudly decrying its villainy.

An initiative such as this is going to require dedicated and patient individuals as they try and combat this culture that is largely the only type that we've ever known, but the big issue as I see it is that most of our society's problems with alcohol are self-inflicted.

Think about just going to a bar. You're in a confined space that is far enough away as to require travel (driving) with nowhere to go and nothing to do but sit and drink.

That doesnt sound like a recipe for disaster at all.

As opposed to taking that same amount of alcohol and now you're maybe consuming it over a longer period of time because you're outside and walking around with your wife/GF, kids or dog.

Anyways, I hope that kind of sums my outlook on it, I wish them the best of luck and if they get it I will almost certainly consider wandering 17th ave with my wife and a drink as a nice way to spend an afternoon.