The mayor of Salt Lake City wants to permit more bars. He says the move will attract more businesses. Naturally, the predominant religion comprised of non-drinkers is blamed for wanting to force their views on everybody. But I don’t think that is the case. Not wanting bars seems a good idea, no matter your religion.
I’m not a teetotaler, but it seems to me the costs outweigh the benefits.
Here in St. George, we have one bar, aptly named “The One & Only”. I’ve been there once, to see my guitar teacher’s band play. I left after 2 sets, 3 expensive diet cokes, and my smoke filled clothes sat in the backyard for a week so as to not stink up my closet. And when I left, I saw plenty of intoxicated people leave in their cars too.
One evening, three years ago, a drunk woman left The One & Only, got on I-15 Southbound, HEADING NORTH. She killed two friends of mine in a head on collision, leaving two children orphans.
So from my perspective, the tax revenue from The One & Only is small and unworthy compensation for the risk its patrons present.
I’d gladly pay off the owner to shut down. That would be tax money well spent.
Until then, every time I come home late, I wonder, is some One & Only drunk going to weave into my path?
I guess I’d prefer a bar named “Closed”.