The Editor,
Re. “What’s the benefit of more liquor stores?” (Letters, The Tri-City News, May 13).
It was interesting to see a letter from a concerned pub and beer store owner about more liquor outlets. No one seems to defend free enterprise more than a small business owner, unless of course he already has a coveted liquor licence and doesn’t want to compete with changing business models.
I think the issue here might just be craft brewing. Some pub owners today selling anything but craft beer are in fact selling beer produced by foreign-owned companies loaded with additives and preservatives. These beers may have travelled 8,000 km to get here while a craft brewer will most likely be local, hire local, source products locally. The beer will be natural, additive-free, healthier and, quite frankly, taste better.
I doubt any uncertainty will enter the marketplace. Which product would you sooner purchase? Wouldn’t you rather have a choice? What’s so special about selling alcohol, anyway?
I think it’s time for coquitlam residents to be allowed to move into the 21st century regarding this issue. Anybody travelling about 60 km to Bellingham will see all sizes and types of businesses competing favourably selling liquor and happy consumers. People want choice and if that means changes to status quo in the future, so be it.
Brian Martin, Coquitlam
