The Restriction Of Alcohol Consumption

1514 Words4 Pages

The restriction of alcohol consumption seems to be in constant debate, partially because there are many different of opinions of how much restriction is necessary. In
America’s history, the government attempted to completely ban all alcohol. This was known as the Prohibition era which began with the enforcement of the 18th
Amendment in the 1920s. This amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, transport, import, or export of alcoholic beverages. Due to the rise of criminal activity and gang violence related to illegal activities involving alcohol, Congress repealed Prohibition with the 21st Amendment in 1933. Such drastic measures against restriction of alcohol did not work, yet restrictions are, in fact, necessary. What amount of restrictions is reasonable? This has been left for States to decide for themselves on how much they want to control the selling and consumption of alcohol.
Utah
has taken the issue of alcohol consumption very seriously by upholding strict laws that limit consumption and selling. According to an article by Deseret
News, “Utah is among 17 alcohol-control states and along with Pennsylvania has some of the tightest restrictions in the country” (Romboy), which poses the question: are Utah’s laws are possibly too restrictive? Utah’s laws which restrict liquor consumption have become a debated issue along with the decision to keep or remove the Zion Curtain. One side argues the laws and Zion Curtain hurt tourism while the other side states that if Utah embraces an alcohol culture it will lose its family friendly values and youth will be tempted to partake in underage drinking. It is important that the common ground between the two sides keeps Utah’s family values while boosting tourism.
Since...

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...hile maintaining Utah’s image as a family friendly place
The continuation of these strict laws can have a negative impact on tourism, since laws such as the Zion Curtain causes discomfort. Since some of the laws are only native to Utah and are subject to change, it can be difficult for visitors to keep up with the restrictions concerning alcohol. On the opposite side of the argument concerning the laws, the strong restrictions have made Utah one of the states with the lowest deaths as a result of alcohol. The state 's liquor laws also have a strong backing from the Mormon Church, which views the laws as a way to protect family values. In order to create a balance between family values and the economic gain from tourism there must be a change, since most laws are in favor of hiding the world of alcohol. Utah cannot hide the adult world behind a tall glass wall forever.

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