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Will banning cheap booze sales reduce panhandling?

Here's a unique idea for combatting panhandling: ban the sale of cheap booze.

City officials in Madison, Wisconsin, are considering
a prohibition on the sale of cheap liquor, such as 24-ounce cans
of beer and four-packs of malt liquor.

But liquor store owners don't think a ban won't stop problem drinkers. They say beggars will just look elsewhere or beg longer to get more expensive liquor.

Read the WSAW report here.

I don't know what to think about this, but the cost of cheap beer prompted a homeless guy I know to enter a transitional housing program after years on the street. Harold* was spending $1.96 a day for a four-pack and he's now figured out that he could save $60 a month if he stops.
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* Not his real name.

Full post as published by the 13th juror on May 25, 2008 (boomark / email).