Deseret News | Provo store drops alcohol, smokes

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Provo store drops alcohol, smokes

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huh | 7:27 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

I don't think anyone is upset about the store not selling these things. I think people are upset at the judgemental and hateful comments geared toward drinkers and smokers. And nobody hates non-drinkers or non-smokers. People just hate the religious right's attempts to force people to live life like they do.

huh | 7:40 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

To the people who are saying those who disagree with this gentleman's decision not to sell alcohol or tobacco should go away....

I agree with you! However I also think anyone who disagrees with any other store's right TO sell these products, or stay open on Sunday, should go away as well.

Anonymous | 7:57 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

I think stores should be able to sell flavored alcoholic drinks. This is the free market at work. If this guy doesn't want to sell alcohol it's a business decision. The free market will judge it. This is America. I don't drink. You have a right to drink. It's like guns in many ways. The responsible person obeys the laws. The irresponsible don't. Christ drank wine as did Joesph Smith and Brigham Young drank beer. Where these men drug abuser in you minds? I've read the Bible. It only speaks out against drunkenness. The person who drinks a glass of wine with dinner is no more a drunkard than a deer hunter is a murder because he has a gun.

Comments continue below

LMAO | 8:58 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

Utah County is a very curious place. Let us not forget that Brothers Joseph and Brigham both sold liquor to the gentiles. If there's a buck to be made, not many mormons around will turn away from it. At any rate, as has been pointed out, guy is only sacrificing $1500/month in sales. Compare that with all you sheep who will now shop there because of his "amazing courage" and you've got to give the guy credit for a brilliant business move.

Admit it Provo, you've been played.

Bert O. | 9:10 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

Now, how do we tell the Mormon church we donï¿½t want restaurants in their new mall to serve alcohol?

Juniper | 9:40 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

Considering all the over weight people I see when I go to work in that area, he needs to stop selling cookies, donuts, treats and all the other things that are killing far more people (and especially children) than the ones he got rid of.

Sure, it's a private store and he can do what he wants, but it's all pandering at this point. The transfat foods and other nasty foods he is selling are the real evil

Stop Complaining | 10:58 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

I cannot believe some of the ridiculous comments on here. Your right Juniper- that stuff is bad for you...but one thing at a time. I get sick of people making it a "Mormon" thing. I am from Utah, but don't live there now. One thing people seem to forget- the Mormon's settled the area- the reason this store is there is because of Mormons- the reason the town is there- again Mormons- Don't like it- well there are 49 other states- I am sure someone has room for you. Let these good people (Mormon, Catholic, Baptist-whatever) just live the way they want- sell what they want and stop bashing them for trying in their own way to make a difference anyway they can! Again, I think we are all getting sick of the Mormon bashing...don't like them- then leave!

washcomom | 11:12 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

Way to go, Shyanne! That was an easy question with an easy answer. And Mr. Ream - thank you very much for answering your daughter in a valiant way. As a mother of a former national DARE youth rep, I am proud of the DARE program for making such strides as they do to teach the dangers of alcohol and tobacco. For those of you "winers" out there, Nevada is a hop, skip and a jump away. Feel free to move to the sin cities.

Comment | 11:17 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

I wouldn't want someone to leave my neighborhood just because they don't believe the same way I do. However, if someone hates me just because I belong to a religion they don't believe in, then I believe they have a bigotry problem. Any Mormon out there that feels inclined to tell others to leave is immature and not exemplifying the teachings he or she claims to believe in.

PB | 11:29 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

I think the story is about a Dad pleasing his daughter and not about religion...shame on everyone for bringing religion into it. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I admire ANYONE who will do something to make their children proud. Phooey on the rest of you!! I love you anyway. By the way, I do not live in Utah anymore but I still love to visit. Utah is still great!!

CliftonClyde | 11:53 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007

Nothing but a grandstand play. Not impressed.

ClarkRoger | 12:47 a.m. Sept. 23, 2007

Sam Hofer is claiming that the Reams store in Provo is no longer selling alcohol and tobacco, "...because the mormon kids figured out how to swipe the stuff."

Where is the evidence of this, Mr. Hofer? Do you have anything to back up this claim, or are you just saying it because, like a lot of other people, you get a kick out of bashing the LDS Church? After you finished typing, did you go and thump your chest in the mirror?

The reason why so many people have turned this into a Mormon issue is because they have no other argument. Mr. Ream's decision is not unconstitutional. Heï¿½s not violating the law. Independent stores can not be forced to sell anything they donï¿½t want to sell. So therefore, the only argument people can make is that Mr. Ream is trying to force his ï¿½Mormonï¿½ religion on everyone else.

Talk about a shallow argument. It just goes to show you that in our PC obsessed society, some people can still be rude and hateful about some religions, and still be considered tolerant and open-minded

JP | 1:09 a.m. Sept. 23, 2007

Paul Reams Jr. has always been a stand up guy. I used to work with him at the Turtle store during the Elmo days. He's a very straight shooter, "Keep it simple stupid", Get'er done, type.

It's unbelievable what some of you guys come up with when you're given a forum that sheds light into your imprisonment of thought. Can't things be just as they are? Does everything have to have a sinister concealment of truth? Why is one simple act of goodness so bad?

Kudos to Paul. Thanks for reminding me why I don't need to experience the 30 minute check out lines at Walmart.

PS - Paul Reams Jr. started his own store (REAMS FAMILY FOODS) after working most of his life for the original family chain of stores (Reams).

Gripers..... | 2:25 a.m. Sept. 23, 2007

huh | 7:27 p.m. Sept. 22, 2007
"I don't think anyone is upset about the store not selling these things. I think people are upset at the judgemental and hateful comments geared toward drinkers and smokers. And nobody hates non-drinkers or non-smokers. People just hate the religious right's attempts to force people to live life like they do."

No is being forced by religious right groups here. Mr. Reams decided not sell alcohol and tobacco at his store. There is nothing wrong with that...

huh | 2:25 p.m. Sept. 23, 2007

There are really very very few comments saying that this guy shouldn't have done this. Nobody really CARES that he stopped selling alcohol and tobacco. What bothers me is not his perfectly legal decision. What bothers me are all the comments praising it as a moral decision, as if there is something immoral about drinking or smoking. Memo to non-smokers and non-drinkers (notice I did not say Mormons), you don't have exclusive rights to morality. Nobody really cares whether or not 1 store in happy valley doesn't sell alcohol or tobacco. But people do care that they are being called names (immoral) for drinking or smoking.

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2 photos

Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Ream's Family Foods employee Hyrum Oaks carries a box of cigarettes Thursday in Provo. Other Ream's stores will continue to carry alcohol and tobacco.

Gallery (2 photos)