Alcohol sales not embraced by all

Local News

August 2, 2008

Anonymous The Weatherford Democrat Sat Aug 02, 2008, 07:28 AM CDT

Phil Riddle

editor@weatherforddemocrat.com

Organizers of the recent petition drive to allow alcohol sales in Weatherford report they have more than enough signatures to call an election on the issue in November.

The group touts increased tax revenues and convenience as reasons to approve the measure.

But there are those who don’t support the measure.

Among them is Bill Gilbert, a retired educator who treasures the city’s atmosphere.

“My wife and I have really enjoyed Weatherford so much,” he said. “It’s so great. I don’t think it would improve if we encourage more alcohol use.”

Gilbert said the issue is very personal for him.

His nephew, a non-drinker, was killed by a drunk driver.

“He was returning from college and was hit by a driver who crossed the median and hit him head on,” Gilbert said. “He burned to death.”

While that would be enough to make most think twice about supporting alcohol consumption, he also cites an instance a few years past at his home in Waco.

It was late at night and he heard a series of crashes. He went outside to find a car load of college-aged men had hit a fence, a curb and a car. The vehicle had blown all four tires before stopping. The passengers, apparently all inebriated, got out to survey the damage.

“One had glass in his eye and didn’t even know it,” Gilbert said, The four then attempted to get back in the car and drive away on the rims.

“That picture comes to my mind when I think of alcohol being offered,” he said.

Gilbert said he has no specific statistics to support his belief, but if alcohol is made legal in Weatherford, he feels more people will drink and many will drink to excess.

“It seems reasonable to me that the more available alcohol is, the more drinking there will be,” he said. “With increased use comes increased problems.”

He admits Weatherford Citizens Moving Forward has done a credible job of creating interest in the issue and making increased tax revenue an issue to draw support.

According to the group, which spearheaded the petition drive, local stores are losing out on sales and local tax entities are missing opportunities for revenue by banning the sale of alcohol in Weatherford.

Ralph Martinez of WCMF reported supermarkets may lose as much as $150,000 per week to stores where alcohol is available.

“Grocery stores report for every dollar lost in beer and wine sales, they lose an additional $3 in general sales,” Martinez said. “We need to keep these monies in Weatherford paying for our roads and infrastructure.”

Gilbert offers his own research as to what allowing the sale of adult beverages in Weatherford might cost.

For instance, national statistics show about 18 million Americans have alcohol abuse problems. In addition, more than 50 percent of all adults have a family history of alcoholism.

Plus, about 25 percent of emergency room visits and one-third of suicides and domestic violence reports are alcohol related.

Admittedly, legalizing alcohol does not necessarily lead to increased incidents of abuse. However, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, more than $276 billion in losses can be attributed to alcohol and drug abuse. The total includes lost productivity, health care expenses, crime and auto accidents.

In addition, NCADA research shows every American adult pays nearly $1,000 per year for the damages caused by addiction.

Gilbert adds one question to ask before supporting alcohol sales in the November election.

“We have to ask ourselves, ‘are we harming or helping our community?’”

Text Only

Local News

10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.

February 8, 2012 1 Photo
Flooding at issue in other subdivisions
While much attention has been given to the Briarwood subdivision, located off of Santa Fe Drive in Weatherford, during the last two months storm water drainage issues have occurred in additional subdivisions and concerned homeowners. This has been an ongoing issue for many areas throughout the city.

February 8, 2012 2 Photos
Child paddled, abuse at school not substantiated
February 8, 2012
Wildlife volunteers needed
Like any other mother, Donna Robinson has pictures of her “babies” on her phone.
“Let me show you,” she said eagerly. “I’ve got lots of pictures of the kids.”
She scrolls through the photos — there’s one of a squirrel with milk on its mouth after a feeding. Oh, there’s a cute one of two tiny possums looking over her shoulder as she feeds another “baby.” Aww, there’s the group of four raccoons named after the Beatles: Ringo, Paul, George and John.
Ok. She’s not your “ordinary” mom.

February 6, 2012 2 Photos
Water woes on floodplain in Weatherford
When Wendy Walling purchased her home in the Briarwood subdivision off of Sante Fe Drive in the mid-1990s, her son could easily jump from one side of the small creek behind the home to the other.
“My son was in fourth grade (when we moved in) and he could actually jump across the creek,” Walling said.
By 2007, however, Walling said the width of the creek had begun to expand.
“(The creek) can hold water now and before it never could,” Walling said.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
DPS: Motorcyclists didn't see slowing truck
February 6, 2012
Kidnapper gets 99 years
February 6, 2012
Judge tosses plea in horse deaths
February 6, 2012
Weatherford junior to perform with All-State choir
When she was a little girl, Cassandra Kirby used to climb up next to her grandmother’s big fireplace and sing songs during the holiday get-togethers.
While she has a reserved and polite personality, recalling these memories makes a big smile break out onto Kirby’s face.
Get her talking about songs and suddenly she’s effusive and happy.

February 5, 2012 1 Photo
Rock solid gymnasts
February 3, 2012 2 Photos
More Local News Headlines

The Komen Foundation recently cut ties (before announcing they would reinstate them) with Planned Parenthood and stopped funding breast cancer screenings — was that a good thing?

Local News

Search Results

Alcohol sales not embraced by all

The Komen Foundation recently cut ties (before announcing they would reinstate them) with Planned Parenthood and stopped funding breast cancer screenings — was that a good thing?

Site Map

Contact Weatherford Democrat