The Public Opinion Soapbox

Natural · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 7

St. Thomas American Legion has a liquor license. The ability to obtain this license was obtained when the voters in St. Thomas passed a law that said they could apply for one. The referendum stated that if an established Veterans organization in St Thomas could apply for a license if the voters in that township approved it. They did! It was on the ballot! That was such a big deal when it happened I couldn’t believe people cannot remember it.
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Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

So basically it's ok for a social club to have a liquor license, but no one else? The people of St. Thomas voted in favor of letting the Legion serve alcohol but to remain dry? Could the liquor license that the legion has been used by another, public establishment, or was a special liquor license created just for them?

So much for free enterprise... Rolling Eyes

How long ago was this? I just think it's a bit absurd, but then I get to thinking... why would a restaurant/tavern even want to open in St. Thomas? If they don't serve it at Oak Forest or Milky Way, then I don't think St Thomas residents would eat it.

Is alcohol really the end of the world to so many people? And regardless if you're a teetotaler, I just feel like being unable to serve drinks is a huge barrier of entry to new businesses. That's my main thing; plus there's an overwhelmingly negative perception of alcohol around here when there really doesn't have to be.

koozie · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 124

The perception of alcohol around here is that they think that just because you serve alcohol somewhere that people don't have any control over themselves and wouldn't be able to stop with just one or two drinks. But with the prices for drinks at places such as Applebees a person can't hardly afford to buy more than one or two drinks. I think that they think that because we are considered a redneck society, by some, all we want to do is get drunk. Most people who go to these restaurants and have a drink with their meal, just like to enjoy a good drink with their meal, not get loaded while eating. I agree with you, Coppy, that if they would allow these restaurants that normally serve drinks at their establishments to get a special license, that we would have a wider variety of good eating establishments in this area.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

That's all I want!!!! I just want to enjoy a beer with dinner. Maybe a glass of wine from time to time. Maybe even go out for a couple drinks on a Friday night. This is what most people do; and if you have nice places, the rednecks won't go there anyway. In fact, if they're forced to buy 30 packs of Pabst Blue Ribbon, then by all means, they should be able to do that and get drunk as they want at home.

But I think being "dry" does force people to drive further and further to go out for drinks and may only add to the DUI problem. I think it also encourages irresponsible drinking because it's basically telling people what they can and can't do; "you can't drink alcohol" coupled with beer commercials of people having the most fun ever, just compels people to overdo it.

I just hate the whole "evils of alcohol" thing. Everyone rallies behind the rights of responsible gun owners, but responsible drinkers can go drink pickle juice for all anyone cares. I absolutely hate it, and it's because of this prudish society and how all these kids grow up being told that drinking alcohol is a sin, or they grow up with nearly alcoholic parents.

Neither is good for anyone; and believe me, my kids will learn to enjoy a glass of wine with their dinner and they will learn to respect alcohol BEFORE they turn 21. Yes, can you believe it? Do you know how many people around here would like to see someone like me arrested. Serving a 16 year old alcohol in any capacity is like being a sexual predator. But if more people taught their kids that alcohol is something to respect and to be enjoyed only in moderation, we wouldn't have half the problems we have with alcohol.

koozie · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 124

I agree. Well said. I have a 22 year old son, and he indulged in a mixed drink or a glass of wine before turning the "legal age" to drink, under the watchful eye of his parents. Nothing wrong with allowing a young adult to indulge in a glass of spirits. We put them behind the wheel of a vehicle when they turn 16, give them voting rights when they are 18 and send them to war, so I don't see what the problem is with allowing them to have a glass of wine with a meal or an occasional celebratory drink to take the stereotype away that you only drink to get drunk. I think that because of my allowing him to have the experience before the "age" of legal limit, it wasn't that big of a deal when he turned 21. He wasn't one of those who went out and got smashed on the day of his 21st birthday.

springhill · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 177

springhill · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 177

Coppy: Do not count me among the "rednecks" or the "prudes".

I drank for a lot of years, never heavily, but i had to stop for health reasons, and I lived in Saint thomas long enough to help care for my handicapped parents, then got the hell out. I do not agree with some of your points but that is basically irrelevant. I would submit that many restaurants with no booze license have a "bring your own policy".

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

springhill · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 177

dont worry coppy i was just suckin' up lol

bring your own? not to beat a dead horse... opinion?

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

Natural · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 7

I think the original question was if St Thomas Legion has a license. Yes it does.
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.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3068 Location: Chambersburg

Clarification.

BYOB-- Is it allowed or not? I've seen people carry into Montezuma, but never any other establishment.
I'm with you Coppy, not only it would it feel weird, but I don't think I could do it.

I suppose if I really wanted to I could bring in my own bottle of wine, but would anyone like to volunteer to mix my drinks for me? I'm partial to Texas margaritas on the rocks, no salt. Mine never come out right (I'm a little heavy with the Patron.)

Side note: I broke down and paid the highway robbery Red Robin was charging for a margarita (Good Gaia! I used to pay that much for a pitcher!!) and it was the most awful mixed I've ever tasted!!

Living here certainly has it's challenges. Confused

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Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

There are several BYOB places around here, but I'm pretty sure that doesn't include mixing your own margarita at your table (BYOM). Razz

But if I'm ever somewhere and someone walks in with a bottle of tequila, sour mix, limes, salt and a shaker, I'll know it's you. Cool

Like I said, I often see people bring wine to the Italian Village, although I haven't been there lately. I can't really think of any other BYOB places other than the ones I mentioned; Montezuma, Ginger House, Italian Village, Cafe Del Sol and probably Rosalie's.

"Some people claim that there a woman to blame...."

springhill · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 177