Do We Need This?

   The Western Convenience Store Association is calling on the Saskatchewan government to allow beer and wine to be sold in properly licensed outlets in the province. Something that's been done in Quebec, the U.S, and several European countries  for years and years.
   Already, our provincial government is looking into making changes to the way booze is sold here, possibly with an eye to privatization like they did in Alberta years ago. And if not full privatization, the government has already moved to say new liquor outlets will be private, while existing ones will remain a Crown Corporation.
   In making their submission, the Association says such sales are not new, pointing to the fact that 190 franchisee stores are already running in smaller communities as government liquor stores, and have done so successfully.
   So, why not allow beer and wine to be sold at convenience stores? I think, at least right now, it comes down to accessibility and availability to young people, although a big part of that could be addressed by simply checking everyone's I.D at the cash register.
   Where do I stand on this? With proper controls put in place, and keeping displays and coolers out of sight for underage kids, why not?

TTFN