As I am writing this, it has been a week since my state has issued a “Shelter in Place” order as crept its way across the U.S. Much like a peat fire slowly smoldering under everyone’s feet; until it burst into a full-fledged forest fire consuming the daily lives of all of us.
As an employee for a major wine and spirits retailer in the Midwest, I watched first hand as the world around us fell into a frenzy. Much like grocery store employees, I watched nervous buying turn to stock up, into panic shopping within a couple of days.
During those few days, amidst the chaos of frantic shoppers, everyone working was watching for updates as to what was happening around the country and what our uncertain future might look like. Pennsylvania closing state-run liquor stores, San Francisco shut down, bars and restaurants closing down, the towns surrounding me issuing their own “Shelter in Place” orders until our governor made his own decision. Tension continuously building.
Finally, our Governor gave the order for a statewide “Shelter in Place” while announcing that only essential businesses will remain open. Grocery, Pharmacy, Hardware, Mechanics, and at the bottom of the list, liquor stores. Amongst seeing that a wave of dread came crashing over me. The most non-essential of businesses remaining open. Soon after that, more consumers come rushing in, literally applauding like they were just given a state-mandated vacation. Stocking up on everything from Tito’s, to Everclear, to cases of Kim Crawford.
A week later, now that the panic has subsided, I still see people coming into to stock up for parties, get-togethers, browsing, coughing ALL OVER bottles and displays, wiping their noses before reaching for something, and hunting for whatever overhyped, trophy status bourbon has come in from day-to-day. I have even had customers come in thrilled that restaurants are shutting down because it might free up more Blanton’s. First, fuck you. It won’t. Second, that is not how allocations work. Third, even if it did, I am not going to put those items out for nothing more than to ensure unnecessary foot traffic does not come through my doors so I can protect myself and coworkers more.
Here is the thing; yes, liquor stores are “essential”, but we are not open for you. So please, stay at home. If you take a moment to examine the situation, you would realize we are open for the worst reasons.
TAXES
First and foremost, liquor stores are open to maintain a steady flow of revenue for the state and counties as first responders and other government agencies are stretched thin to their breaking point. The federal tax on a gallon of spirits is $13.50. For beer, $18.00, and wine, as much as $3.40 depending on the abv. On average, the federal government collects around $1 billion from alcohol taxes month to month. States, counties, cities, also add on their taxes to this as easy revenue.
PROTECTING RESOURCES
Alcoholism is real and it is devastating for everyone. Especially now. A very real and unrecognized reason for liquor stores to remain open is to keep alcoholics drinking. I know this may seem crude, but it is true. In a time where medical resources, doctors, hospital space, and first responders are overworked and overloaded, the last thing that is needed is a wave of alcoholics going through withdrawal. To ensure that those with COVID-19 and other chronic illnesses get the treatment they need; alcoholics must continue to drink.
NORMALITY
Lastly, we are open to protect some sense of normality in everyone’s daily life if for nothing more, to help prevent looting and rioting. In times of panic or mass upheaval, retail and liquor stores are almost always amongst the first to be burglarized by droves of panicked fools. As if, for some reason, booze and televisions will protect them from things that are yet to come. Spoiler alert: it won’t.
So please, please, stay home. We are not open for you. You are exposing not only yourself but everyone around you to an unnecessary risk right now. Please stop being selfish and thinking that this is a joke. It is not. Just because you may feel fine, does not mean you are not carrying a virus that can easily kill others.
I am grateful to still have a job right now and I truly hope to see you all shortly once this has passed and we can continue to discuss our passions. But this is not the time. If you wish to have a drink or two, I implore you to find your closest bar or restaurant that is offering curbside service right now. Those guys and gals need your money more than any retailer at the moment and their very livelihoods are on the line. This is a very difficult time for everyone, so please make a thoughtful choice with any time you may have right now.
Stay safe y’all.
