Arguments have long been made that people should be able to drink, drug, or even bow to graven images on their own property and on their own time, provided nobody gets hurt in the process. Drinking on public property raises concerns about collateral damage, as taxpayers who may be prohibitionists feel they have to keep their children out of the area, and they pay for sanitation and standby police and emergency crews.
Tomorrow, Asheville City Council will be considering granting a special privilege to sell alcohol in a public space – in glass containers, no less. The public space will be roped off, and alcoholic beverages will be sold for a fundraiser for Councilman Kelly Miller’s re-election campaign. How would you vote (a) if you were Miller? (b) if you were running against Miller? (c) if you and Miller normally took opposite stances on issues? etc.