Since the vote to legalize the sale of alcoholic beverages in Danville, there have been many headlines in The Advocate-Messenger to portray all the positive results of this “great” step forward for our city. At the rate liquor and beer outlets are increasing in the city, it seems we will soon have enough to supply the entire state!
By the action to legalize these products, we can congratulate ourselves in assisting to increase the negative impact that alcohol has on our state. Consider the following statistics from the Kentucky League on Alcohol & Gambling Problems. In 2009:
— There were 5,038 alcohol-related traffic collisions; 2,662 persons were injured, 203 persons were killed in these collisions.
— 32,877 adults were arrested for driving under the influence.
— 32,283 adults were arrested for drunkenness.
— 216 juveniles ages 10 to 17 were arrested for driving under the influence.
— The economic cost of alcohol-related crashes was $326 million.
