After reading Our View in the Nov. 4 Mirror, it made me wonder what the author of that article was thinking.
Privatizing liquor stores just because it would be more convenient for consumers is just too stupid for words. Maybe the fact that it isn't always convenient for consumers to buy liquor could be seen as a good thing. Maybe it would keep more drunken drivers off the road so they couldn't kill themselves or some innocent. Maybe it would keep more drunks from pounding on their spouses or their kids.
The article complained that during Hurricane Sandy, the liquor stores closed statewide from 3 p.m. Monday until Wednesday. Let's see, a hurricane or liquor stores closing. Which is more catastrophic?
Having worked for the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for a number of years, I can say without a doubt that there are legitimate reasons behind the decisions made by the PLCB to close liquor stores anytime it deems it necessary to do so.
And I can also say without a doubt that it has nothing to do with inconveniencing consumers who think liquor should be available 24/7. Without a doubt, private owners would put profits above all else, including hurricanes.
If a person cannot go for a day or two without purchasing liquor, they have a much bigger problem.
There is a name for that type of person, and I would sincerely hope that they get the help they need.
There may be sound reasons for privatizing. Surely one wouldn't be so that an individual or business could become wealthy, would it? Whether it's liquor stores or some other government agency providing a service, the benefit to consumers is about the last thing that is behind the move to privatize. It's all about money and profit, nothing more, nothing less.
To claim that privatizing liquor stores is simply to make it more convenient for consumers is the most ridiculous and bogus thing I have ever heard.
Elizabeth Shade
Hollidaysburg
