TLP: New Hampshire Favors Drunk-Driving For Prius Owners Over Disabled Motorists

In just the latest example of why state-run liquor stores are a bad idea, New Hampshire has sparked a fight over who should get preferred parking on booze runs: disabled motorists or the drivers of environmentally superior vehicles.

The Telegraph:

William O’Brien, the speaker of the N.H. House, and some of his Republican cohorts, including Nashua Rep. Peter Silva, are complaining that the green spaces are directly in front of the liquor store while the handicapped spaces are more toward the side. They asked the Liquor Commission to change the parking scheme.

Joseph Mollica, chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, said the handicapped spaces were placed halfway between the separate entrances for the public restrooms and the liquor store.

“We felt that the handicapped customers that come to the store would be better served being closer to the bathrooms,” he said. “As retailers, we realized the importance of making it convenient if people need to use the facilities.

“It was designed in a way to keep all our guests happy.”

Critics accused O’Brien and other House Republicans of feigning interest in the issue to get attention.

“If the speaker and Representative Silva actually care about people with disabilities, they have a terrible way of showing it,” said Harrell Kirstein, press secretary for the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

“They both supported a budget that cuts millions in services for our most vulnerable citizens, including people with disabilities.”

Which just goes to show people will fight over anything if they see a political gain in it. What does any of it have to do with getting the good people of New Hampshire properly liquored up so they can deal with finding asshat presidential candidates on their front porches from now until the primary?

Here’s an idea: get out of the business altogether and let private liquor merchants figure out the best way to serve their customers. What the fuck, maybe they’ll do something smart and open a drive-through store.

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