Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/57654
FROM THE EDITOR Neo-Prohibitionist Big Brother Is a New York City's mayor, Michael Bloomberg, floated a trial balloon recently that turned out to be made of lead. The mayor's latest nanny idea is to cut down on alco- hol use by "reducing alcohol retail outlet [e.g. bar, corner store] density and illegal alcohol." He would also "reduce the exposure to alcohol products and bar advertising and promotion in retail [stores, restaurants, etc.] and general [trains, buses, etc.] settings." The arrogance of this is mind-numbing. Here's yet another guy who thinks he's smarter and knows what's best for everyone else, because, of course, we are all a bunch of dumbasses who don't know what's good for us. I suppose he's right to an extent: We are stupid enough to think we live in a free country. Maybe hizzoner should be boning up on his reading of history in the United States from 1919 to 1933. That was the last time the government chose to cut down on alcohol use. It was really effective, wasn't it? Prohibition put an end to alcohol use, right? Scott Wexler, President of the Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association, promised to take the city to court should it attempt such a bone-headed program. "More social engineering by Mike Bloomberg. What a surprise!" Wexler commented. In fact, the proposal was greeted with such a public outcry that the mayor's office quickly distanced itself from the idea. A spokesman announced that "the plan was not backed by the mayor." Then where did it come from, outer space? If anything, Bloomberg's little misadventure should be a wake-up call to all of us that there's nothing quite as resilient as a stupid idea. Certainly New York City hasn't cornered the market on legislative overreach. Elected public servants elsewhere are bound to try the same thing again. The beverage industry needs to be vigilant and outspoken in opposition. At least New Yorkers can still eat foie gras. 4 / the tasting panel / march 2012 PHOTO: CATHY TWIGG-BLUMEL