Dear Editor:

The opportunity to live in Brookhaven since the age of three has been and continues to be a blessing to my life.

The wholesome quality of life the city of Brookhaven provides is something admired by those who face the challenges of high crime rates in the surrounding areas that offer liquor sales.

It is interesting to me that those who support the legalization of liquor sales in Brookhaven have ignored this remarkable fact. A simple search of the crime rates of the cities that Brookhaven has traditionally been compared to (especially to argue for the support of liquor sales) reveals they have a crime rate three times the rate of Brookhaven.

It should come as no shock, since alcohol and crime have walked hand in hand for decades.

A 2006 study conducted by The National Center for Alcohol Law Enforcement Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation and provided for the Department of Justice concluded “alcohol and violence are culturally and historically linked in the United States.”

It goes on to say that, “studies overwhelmingly indicate that there is a strong link between the consumption of alcohol and violent acts”; “the economic cost of alcohol-related crime is enormous”; “just as the ready availability of alcohol in high alcohol outlet density neighborhoods is linked to violence, alcohol service and sales practices can be linked to the increased risk of violence and injury”; “policies that affect other sales practices – the ‘how, when, and where’ alcohol is sold – can mediate the risk of violent behaviors resulting from alcohol consumption.”

This study overwhelmingly provides real facts that link alcohol and liquor to the increase of crime. One of the most impressive statements found within the study states, “the evidence above suggests that changing the environment in which alcohol is sold and consumed and reducing access to alcohol can result in a reduction of crime and violence.”

Our local law enforcement agencies perform a wonderful job of protecting the citizens of Brookhaven and Lincoln county. They are faced with the challenges and pressures that naturally accompany each and every community.

Why add to their burden by voting to support the sale of liquor when research has proven that crime will increase? Vote “against” liquor on June 4th and support the quality of life that you and I are currently enjoying as a citizen of Brookhaven.

Ryan Thurman