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The knee-jerk argument that a liquor license is going to destroy a family-friendly neighborhood is de rigueur in any neighborhood making a comeback in Philadelphia. Except that here community appeals can hold up the process for 12-24 months. In middle-class neighborhoods it's not at all uncommon here to see children in restaurants that serve liquor at least until 7pm. Even in blue collar neighborhoods where it's less common it still doesn't turn a judgmental eye. It's the neighborhoods where there are more social problems where people think that alcohol is the cause of those problems (as opposed to a manifestation) and can't imagine that people could enjoy a couple of drinks with dinner without it turning into a bender and ending in broken bar stools. When, in fact, the very presence of families and children takes it all down a notch. If you ever want to feel like a buzzkill go out to dinner with your toddler on a saturday evening and linger just a little too long.

by Jim on Jun 29, 2012 10:47 am • link • report