To Beer or Not to Beer
…that is the question with which the Township Council wrestled on Monday evening. Both those in favor of the proposal to allow the sale of beer at the gazebo during the July 4 celebration and those opposed to the sale had valid points. This one-time sale of beer has been proposed as a test by the organizers of the July 4 celebration. A restaurant specializing in barbecued foods will be setting up a café and the sale of beer would be limited to the café for a 2½ to three hour period. Proponents say the limited and strictly controlled sale of beer would provide a complement to the food.
Debbie Lindner, chairwoman of the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee (LMAC), which focuses on preventing the illegal use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in the home, school and community, was nonplussed that her committee had not been consulted about this plan. LMAC's mission statement notes that prevention of drug and alcohol use must be based on committed grassroots involvement. LMAC has helped to develop and support prevention programs and projects designed to educate and mobilize our entire community to work together to promote a drug-free, healthy lifestyle.
Calling herself a "preventionist" rather than a "prohibitionist," Lindner said that the proposed sale of beer was "risky." She asked what message the sale of beer was sending to the township's children. LMAC has been working diligently to show youngsters that they can have a good time without the use of alcohol, she said. Now, the Council was considering allowing the consumption of beer on town property before the fireworks. This, she said, is sending a mixed message to our youngsters.
She added that some people can consume copious amounts of beer and not appear intoxicated; however, they can become combative and abusive as a result of their inebriation.
Joining Lindner in her opposition to the "beer garden," was Rev. Daniel L. Martian of the Presbyterian Church of Livingston. He pointed out that the signs in front of Livingston High School which declare a drug free zone. He called the experiment a "slippery slope," questioning where it will end.
Also opposing the plan was former councilman "Buddy" August, who is a former member of the Board of Education. He was concerned that someone would get seriously injured as a result of purchasing beer at the township event.
