The Business of the Business "The Politics of Booze"

Every time I open a paper or turn on the news it seems like there is some article or another talking about a proposed change to the laws around serving or selling the demon beverage. One of the latest things in the local paper is a proposed increase to the minimum selling price of beer as a way to curb consumption. Not only does this theory not work, just think tobacco, but things like .05 have already caused a quantum shift in habits. The State just South of us recently voted to take government out of the liquor sales equation. we on the other hand spend tax dollars renovating stores that were just done. As a licensee I am forced to buy all my spirits from 1 of only 2 stores, pre-pay and pick up my order. does any other industry allow that kind of service to survive. Not to mention if they don't want to list a new product you can only get it by the case. I know this sounds like a bit of a rant but really I am hoping against hope that we figure out that governments role in this industry is only to insure public safety and not to be in competition with their own customers.