Dear Editor,
What is happening around Barrhead lately? What are our lawmakers thinking? In reading the paper, it seems they really want to hit our businesses hard. Why on Earth would our councillors want to make it more difficult for our retailers to eke out a meager living? I’m sure they are here to promote business, not take it away. You can tell that Linda West, for one, had a business in town and knows how difficult it is to keep our doors open; therefore, she is not in favour of more government involvement. For the councillors to get involved and restrict hours is insane. I owned a convenience store for five years in the county. I also sold liquor. One of the rules was that we could not sell alcohol to someone who was already intoxicated. That would also pertain to the bars and keep them from selling more alcohol to the patron who was already intoxicated. If they violate the rules, go after them. I am on the side of the RCMP 99 per cent of the time, and I know their job isn’t easy, but I would think the Sergeant and peace officer could put their time and expertise to work on catching and getting stiffer sentences for drunks on the road, pedophiles, drug addicts etc ... rather than trying to stifle the businesses in their town. A man gets 45 days in jail and can serve that on the weekends after being caught impaired for the third time. REALLY...??
I also object to this fireworks ban. I sold them at the store for five years and never had a problem.When the young kids come in and want only cheap Roman candles, you say no because you know what they are going to do with them. If a retailer sells fireworks during a fire ban, fine them, not everyone else who abides by the laws. Are the officers or fire department going to be around on the long weekends to issue permits to people who come up to their cottages, spend money in our stores, and help with the overall economy? Ninety-five per cent of the people I sold fireworks to were over 40 and are very responsible.
I personally witnessed farmers who still were burning rubbish, etc., when the fire bans were in place. Do we punish all of the farmers because a few do not abide by rules? I have seen people hit the ditch and swerve while on their cellphones. Rules and laws are always broken. Generally we punish the violators, not everyone.
Sincerely,
Shirley Laychuk
