David Shipula – 5/11/08

This page was last updated on May 11, 2008.

Keep beer sales as they are; David Shipula; Beaver County Times; May 11, 2008.

An editor’s note asserts, “The writer is president of the Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania.”

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I favor the sale of beer to the public. As a state-licensed malt beverage distributor, I make my living selling beer.”

[RWC] I don’t know Mr. Shipula, but I believe the second sentence is the sole reason for this letter. In another letter, Mr. Shipula refers to the “buying power of large supermarket chains” as a problem.

“But I also have seen the damage that alcohol abuse can cause and I’ve seen the research that identifies beer as the preferred entry point for substance abuse by minors.

“It’s one reason beer distributors are so strict about requiring proper and fool-proof photo identification when selling to anyone who might conceivably be close to the age of 21.

“I also respect the much stronger views of those who are members of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Pennsylvanians Against Underage Drinking and other groups that Wednesday’s editorial so casually and callously called “anti-wet Republicans,” suggesting that it was a kind of political belief rather than a sincere concern about the welfare of others.

“I have heard these groups talk about moderation and responsibility, but never prohibition for adults 21 years of age.

“The reality is that most people agree that beer should not be sold in supermarkets or where gasoline is dispensed. Polls show those feelings run very strong in eastern Pennsylvania, where opposition is 70 percent or so, and less along the Ohio border.”

[RWC] I agree that alcohol should not be sold “where gasoline is dispensed.” I don’t know if it has any effect, but it seems to make sense since we’re always telling people not to drink and drive.

“But this is still a state where majority rules and it would be wrong to make assumptions that your view or those of your friends and neighbors represent those of most Pennsylvanians.

“Besides, in practical terms, there are more places where you can buy beer today in Pennsylvania than you can buy five pounds of sugar or 10 pounds of flour or a pound or two of ground beef.

“There are more than 1,300 licensed beer distributors and 500 carryout license holders (pizza shops, delis, etc.) and another 12,000 bars, taverns and restaurants (many of which have carryout permits as well).

“By comparison, there are only 2,700 supermarkets and even fewer gas station/convenience stores.”

[RWC] I lived in Texas for nearly 19 years. I can report the world didn’t end because beer and wine were sold in supermarkets and convenience stores.