Dry County vs Wet County

[LtlWngdAngl]

I just needed some opinions, as I've received a ballot in the mail today and I'm still thinking about it.....

Right now, I live in Santa Rosa County, FL, and it's a dry county...Meaning that you can not buy hard liquor within the county, only beer. Lately, the issue has been brought up again about changing to a Wet county where there will be limited liquor licenses given out to where you can sell and serve hard liquor and wine, instead of just beer.

Currently, Santa Rosa county is surrounded by wet counties, and our population has increased by leaps and bounds, which has increased drunk driving. Some are saying that by making hard liquor available that it would decrease the number of drunk driving related accidents b/c people won't have to drive 30min to and hour to get home....but others say it will increase the drunk driving.
But even if it does raise it, that will justify putting more officers on the roads and better programs within the county to deter drunk driving....and with even a one cent sales tax, could generate a ton of money for the county....

Also, it would attract better restraunts and more commerce and create needed jobs.

I was just wondering what everyone's opinion on it was and if anyone has recently had to vote on this issue and what it did to their county.

[tiger2]

I too am in a dry county and if you want "hard" liquor you go "next county" and get it. You can get drunk on beer too, ask any teenager. Personally education is best especially for kids. Adults should Know Better! If you want it you can find it whether you're in a dry or wet county.

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

No one alcohol is more dangerous than another. You either sell liquor, or you don't. Why not keep the $$ in your own back yard, rather than somebody elses. No reason to go into morals here, it just makes 'cents'...Better for folks to buy the stuff at the corner store, than open up the bottle on the freeway on the way home....

[TooLover]

When I saw the title of this thread I knew exactly who had started it and what is was regarding!
My biggest concern is the amount of bars that would be opened; however, the laws dictate that the bars have to be so many feeet away from a church. We have so many churches in this county that I really don't see that as a problem. I was also a bit concerned about topless bars, but have learned that it is illegal in this county to have topless bars and sell liquor.
I say go ahead and go wet and let us pocket the money!

[LtlWngdAngl]

those were my thoughts too....the same people who drink now will be the same people that drink when the county is wet, it's not like MORE people are going to start drinking, the one's that will won't have to go as far to get it.

My b/f's ex-wife (who's one of those hollier-than-thou, devout church-going hypocrits who's the first one to judge someone else) asked he and I what we were voting, and when we both said we would probably vote for a wet county, her reply was "well, that's between you and God." I couldn't help but laugh and ask her "what does God have to do with whether you have a drink w/dinner in this county or Escambia county? You do have a drink occassionally, right?" <knowing good and well she does b/c I've seen her out drinking w/friends> She got ticked off and got in her car without another word.

Laurie: we were talking about that at the police station office today....just b/c the county goes wet doesn't mean that anyone can get a liquor license, they'll have to have a public meeting so everyone could voice what the restrictions could be (how many feet from a church/school, business/residential zoning, etc) and who/what kind of businesses could posess one.

[felisdomesticus]

wow I didn't realize that there were counties that were "dry" still. I live at the Jersey Shore and we have a thriving nightlife in the area. I agree with a previous post that said people will either drink or not--why not keep the revenue in your area?

[LtlWngdAngl]

Okay...well, I've completed my ballot, and I voted "wet"

[TooLover]

As will I - I work in planning and zoning and know the rules - they wont' be able to put bars too close to churches, and they won't be able to have strip bars all over the place!

[LtlWngdAngl]

Laurie: My mom is on the planning and zoning commitee for Gulf Breeze....maybe you two know each other....do you go to the Leadership Santa Rosa thing too??

[PyscoFalcon]

Wow what weird laws your states have.

Couldn't do without my vodka!