REALLY... there aren't enough places already for people to get a drink?

Yesterday, from the BC Government's Jobs Plan, came news that, "... liquor licences will soon be available to all types of BC businesses, including barber shops!"

REALLY... there aren't enough places already for people to get a drink?

The news release went on to say that effective January 23rd of next year:

Businesses like barber shops, salons, spas, cooking schools, art galleries and book stores will be able to apply for a liquor licence to diversify their business model and serve liquor to customers.

All types of businesses will be able to apply for a liquor primary licence, so long as they do not operate from a motor vehicle or target minors.

This change will provide flexibility for businesses to expand and offer new services to their patrons ... and increase consumer choice for British Columbians.

Well, thank goodness they won't be able to operate from a motor vehicle, but tell me, "How exactly will these patrons, imbibing on the spirits, be arriving and leaving from said businesses?"

But you say, "I should have the convenience of enjoying a glass of bubbly while I enjoy reading my new book, or have my nails trimmed and buffed."

Too bad ... enjoy it at home!

There are already three dozen liquor stores in Kamloops ... few if any restaurants don't already have liquor available ... and it's the same for nearly every hotel in the city as well.

Yesterdays announcement from our BC Liberal government included a quote from Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch:

“One of government’s goals is to ensure that doing business in B.C. is easy and exciting. Creating new liquor licence and permit options for businesses is part of our ongoing effort to remove operating obstacles for businesses, create ease of access for consumers, and still maintain B.C.’s health and safety standards.”

Okay ... so the government is going to make it easy to get into business, but tell me, "What is exciting about more alcohol being served in Kamloops?" ... and as I've already mentioned, "do we really need more ease of access, especially when the majority of people will be arriving in the spa's, bookstores, hair saloons, and art galleries, in vehicles?

I'm not going to take the time to add up every location in Kamloops, where the people of our city can already enjoy, or buy, their favorite beverage, I think most people already are well aware there must be several hundred.  Do we really need more?

Oh, and as a friend of mine in the lower mainland said to me last night, after I had posted news of this new initiative, "Booze everywhere, casinos in every town, legal recreational drugs. Why not a few brothels? Oh, yeah, I forgot, they already have city hall and the legislature in that business."

In Kamloops, I'm Alan Forseth.