A few weeks ago, I found myself in a rather unlikely position: that of a “rulemaker.” After I accepted a position on my local community board, I was tasked with reviewing numerous liquor-license applications to advise the New York State Liquor Authority on whether the applications should be approved.
If I’m being honest, I came into the role with the intention of approving pretty much any application. But on more than one occasion, I was moved to reconsider this position. It was not because of some glaring problem with the application, and not because of any fault of the business owner applying for the liquor license.
No, I was moved because of the stories from residents who showed up to offer personal testimony on how a bar or restaurant operating on their block would negatively affect their lives. It was impossible for even the most pro-liquor board members to simply rubber-stamp approvals when staring into the faces of the opposition. You try telling a mother that a bar’s business is more important than her 9-year-old’s ability to sleep on a school night. These issues are rarely black and white, but that’s easy to forget when you’re looking only at a paper application.
I didn’t take this position thinking it would in any way relate to my day job. But as the tensions rose and emotions escalated, I couldn’t help but think of stories I’ve heard of retailers showing up to protest state and local tobacco regulations. Regardless of the issue, adding a human element to the matter can make the difference between a “yea” or a “nay.”
Take it from me, a rulemaker.
Melissa Vonder Haar, author of the Smokes & Mirrors blog, is senior editor of CSP magazine. Contact her at mvonderhaar@winsightmedia.com
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