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Tired of being treated like a child by government

I commend Isla McGee for taking the time to express her opinion on the issue of allowing alcohol in grocery stores. My opinion is based on several factors, the least of which is policing, followed closely by Dr.
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Finding a family doctor can be extremely frustrating and the bureaucracy can be a challenge to navigate. File photo
I commend Isla McGee for taking the time to express her opinion on the issue of allowing alcohol in grocery stores.

My opinion is based on several factors, the least of which is policing, followed closely by Dr. Sutcliffe’s concerns regarding the effects of alcohol.

The police and the health department do not have a mandate to control alcohol use by individuals who are of age, only to subject those who are under the influence, either breaking the law by being underage or contravening the Highway Traffic Act. Just as the use/consumption of illegal drugs falls under another law.

If alcohol is going to affect someone’s health, it makes little difference whether the purchase is made in a hotel, a beer or liquor store or a grocery store, leading me to ask if we should ban its sale completely.

I have been in “underserviced” areas, which are allowed to sell beer and alcohol from their variety stores.

I shop at several Sudbury stores where, just outside the cashier area, or within only a few steps outside the store, you will find a wine store. Wine is also alcohol, and in being such close proximity, it could, and should be classified as sold in store.

In the U.S., there are liquor/beer stores on nearly every corner in cities, and in variety stores in smaller areas. Not only do they sell alcohol, they also accept coupons to reduce the price from what Canadians are expected to pay, and, should you have sufficient coupons, you can walk out with your purchase without having to spend a cent.

This is not what causes trouble with law enforcement, or with health practitioners. In fact, if it were, there would be many more problems there than they have with guns, gangs and drugs.

Individuals tend to drink what they feel comfortable drinking, teens experiment with alcohol as they do with other things, and keeping consumption within the legal limit for the purpose of operating a vehicle seems to be reaching the target established by law enforcement.

In all my years, I have seen a steady increase in law enforcement and government regulations dictating how Canadians should conduct our lives, and it bothers me to be treated as a child rather than a law-abiding, contributing, legal citizen of Canada.

Trina Hurd
Greater Sudbury