#quebexico

My 96 year old grandmother is a snow bird with a trailer is one of the little +65 communities along Gulf of Mexico Dr in Long Boat Key Florida. In my couple most recent trips down south to visit for Christmas, once the pivotal legal drinking age had been reached; I became acquainted with the liquor stores attached to the local Walgreens. 

As a child I knew that my grandmother lived in a rather upscale neighbourhood because the man who owned Alpo lived (maybe he’s still there) down the street in a towering modern stucco and glass house with a water slide, visible from the street which runs from the second floor to the pool in the back yard. This being said the American liquor store I have come across aren’t 24 hour, cashier behind the glass, circus liquor type establishments. There you can pick up sunscreen, pool noodles, People Magazine and a couple litres of Malibu Rum for a fraction of the price you would pay at home. 

This is an example of the mischief and mayhem not caused  by easy aces to alcohol. I have no data saying that restricting the sale of liquor to government regulated establishments either promotes/ reduces teenage drinking, restores/ destroys moral fibre and or save lives, but I do have ample experience all over the globe indicating selling booze in the corner store isn’t going to end humanity. 

In Canada most other industries are subject to an open market, where in competition is welcomed. Ontario is subjected to a monopoly when it comes to the sale of Liquor. Owned by Anheuser-Busch Inbev, Molson Coors and Sapporo, the Ontario government has essentially given all choice, profits and power to foreign interests. Unless you have gone directly to the source, the winery, brewery or distillers you have no other choice as to who is over charging your for your alcohol.

A system set up to stem alcohol abuse, now has no other cause than to make money, none of which is going towards any sort of rehabilitation. A corner store clerk is just as likely, if not more, to ask for ID for fear of having his licence revoked as the twenty something dude behind the counter of the Beer Store. 

Many Ontarian's make the trip just across the border in to “Quebexico” to pick up their beer ten bucks cheeper per case and readily available at grocery stores and Costco. Having a competing system so close at hand should have made this post prohibition era set up seem as out of date as it is, but most are surprised when faced with a fact that has been starring them down. When I was living in Ottawa it was cause for excitement when someone hit Gatineau and came home with a trunk full of octagons for a reasonable price. 

When discussed the reason why licensing rights are never opened up for grocery and corner stores is that the price involved would drive up the cost for the consumer. What they neglect to tell you is that as they are where the beer would be coming from anyway and they would be actively driving up the cost. 

I believe the LCBO is antiquated as well but I will leave them a little nostalgia for the old ways. One day hopefully my grown children will be able to pick up a bottle of wine with their groceries and not have to listen to the cashier explain over and over again that they are out of your brand of cigarettes.

After this week of training it's Canada day!

I am planning on getting day drunk on a beach in my bikini with 25 degree weather but feels like 29.

Swimming, playing beach football, eating snacks, and drinking from a thermos.

All surrounded by the breakfast club and my BF if he's not working.