Arlington Heights Doesn't Like Single Cans

By aaroncynic in News on Oct 7, 2009 8:20PM

At one point in their lives, almost all beer enthusiasts have dropped in to the local liquor store to pick up a single foamy beverage. Many liquor stores, convenience marts and other booze barns sell single cans or bottles of beer in all shapes and sizes. For consumers, single cans are an alternative to grab a quick drink instead of investing in a six pack or full case. For retailers, selling them is a way to cash in on broken cases or on locals interested in a more portable intoxicant. That is exactly what some townspeople in north suburban Arlington Heights want to change.

The Chicago Tribune reports that village officials in Arlington Heights are proposing a ban on single cans of beer smaller than 40 ounces, along with containers of wine smaller than 12 and other containers of alcohol smaller than 16. This effectively eliminates drinks like the tall boy and the half pint of liquor. Officials hope that the ban would cut down on things like public drunkenness and public urination. They also hope that this will make it more difficult for the homeless to get cheap booze.

We spoke to Priet, an employee at Spirits and Such in Arlington Heights, who felt that the ban might slightly slump his sales but said it was difficult to tell if it would have any effect on the concerns of village officials. Ultimately he said, it's in their hands.They are expected to decide on Monday.