Don't demonize alcohol

You can tell the state Legislature is back in session because the issue of alcohol restriction is in the headlines again. This time it's about the availability of alcohol to minors in grocery stores. Talk about a non-issue. It's already against the law to purchase or sell alcohol to anyone under 21, no matter where. The real problem is we demonize alcohol and demand that our children not even look at it. We don't sit down and talk to them about it. Alcohol in itself is not evil. But like anything else, the problem arises when it's abused. In France, Italy and Spain, wine and spirits are sold at many places where minors are allowed. They don't have the alcohol-related problems we do. That's because they are exposed to it at an early age. Our answer is to hide alcohol, like it doesn't exist.

Steven Ireland
Salt Lake City