The names have been changed, but the story is so old, one tires even of hearing it framed as not-news. To refresh your memory from a week or two ago, government needs revenue, and the best way it can get it is to impose higher taxes on vice. Now, if the government body doesn’t allow vice, then it must legalize it. Strangely, liquor (the drive safely so you can go home and beat your wife drug), is the only vice really sanctioned by local governments in North Carolina these days.

Now for the olds: Tonight, the Henderson County Commissioners are expected to formally approve putting a referendum on the May ballot to allow alcohol sales. Since choice is important, voters will get to vote separately on whether they want beer and wine sales, liquor sales at ABC stores, and/or liquor by the drink in restaurants.