We don’t know any good reason to promote alcohol sales and consumption anywhere. But some people are proposing to have the Tennessee General Assembly give Chattanooga the option of allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages at the city’s Tivoli Theatre and Memorial Auditorium.
Obviously, the idea is to raise some money.
State Sen. Andy Berke of Chattanooga said, “We’re giving the mayor the choice to do it.” Fortunately, Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield is opposed to alcohol sales at the city facilities.
It is unfortunate, of course, that the auditorium and Tivoli, both very attractive, useful and popular community facilities, generally lose money. But the negatives of having the city involved in the liquor business, even to try to reduce Memorial Auditorium and Tivoli red ink, should be avoided.
We have too much trouble from alcohol and drinking drivers already, without adding alcohol at city facilities.