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City should limit cheap booze sales
Madison Ald. Mike Verveer's proposal to restrict sales of cheap alcohol downtown is sound public policy that should have an immediate positive impact on a challenge that local officials have struggled to address.
Public intoxication is a problem. It is fueled by sales of individual cans and bottles of beer and malt liquor and small containers (less than a pint) of hard liquor.
Verveer, who represents the downtown 4th District, has proposed a ban on such sales at 11 outlets in the 4th and 8th aldermanic districts.
There have been objections from apologists for the liquor industry and stores that sell alcohol. Basically, for those who do not want even modest regulation, any excuse will do. Verveer's proposal would drive drinkers toward the fringes of the downtown, say some. Or it would drive drinkers to purchase more expensive brews. Or it would mask the broader challenge of addressing the needs of the homeless. Or it would undermine efforts by alcohol distributors and sellers to come up with responsible approaches. Or ... or ... or ...
The truth is that sales of cheap booze should be regulated. It is unlikely that Verveer's proposal will address every social ill or challenge associated with such sales, but it is the beginning of a rational response -- a response that can be tinkered with, extended or otherwise altered as evidence suggests is wise.
The Alcohol License Review Committee has unanimously endorsed Verveer's proposal.
The City Council should do the same.
File photo
The City Council should endorse Ald. Mike Verveer's proposal to restrict sales of cheap alcohol downtown.
