Should the PX/Shoppes on Bases sell Alcohol 24HR a day?

2015-02-05T16:04:08-05:00

I remember being in the PX/Gas station and there was a lady giving out test shots to all the Joes walking in, of course they where of age but, with the amount of issues and stigma with getting help with PTSD, and a lot of other issues in the Military. Do you feel the PX/Shops on Base should be Promoting Alcohol and have the Rights sell it 24HR a day? tell me what you think?

PS- there is no wrong answer just more food for thoght

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 5 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-02-05T16:07:20-05:00

Air Cav ops are 24/7. Don't forget my late night homies!...lol

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-02-05T16:21:15-05:00

If it's open 24 hours and has alcohol available, why not? Doesn't make sense to only sell during "business hours" if it's open round the clock.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Feb 5 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-02-05T16:25:12-05:00

Our Warriors deploy and fight for our freedom and my personal belief is they ought to have the freedom to go buy a beer at any dang time they want to.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-02-05T16:32:28-05:00

As long as the shop adheres to "local rules" (whomever issues the licenses to sell), that's fine. Since some posts are combined state/federal lands, it would eliminate confusion caused by that.

I don't necessarily agree with "giving out test shots", but selling it and having it available is no issue. Some that struggle with alcoholism and others may have some issues with refusing an alcoholic beverage. I also know of a friend of mine that had a previously unknown protein deficiency that made it so that a single shot got him completely wasted because his body could not metabolize the alcohol. He rarely drinks, and when he did it was one beer or two, never shots...so the effects were massive and immediate.

Sale is a totally different matter. Commanders retain discretion of their Soldiers abilities to drink, and when allowed to drink, individual responsibility falls on the shoulders of the Soldier to make that determination on when enough is enough. Failure to comply may result in revocation of those privileges, but that should be left to be managed at the lowest common denominators unless it violates any other established laws or policies.
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 5 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-02-05T17:59:32-05:00

I was a shift worker for many years and there were times my 5PM was most peoples 6AM. The biggest issue was most installations abided by local laws so it meant prior planning.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 5 at 2015 6:03 PM

2015-02-05T18:03:32-05:00

Per the local rules.

If the locals can sell it Noon to 2am, so can the PX/Gas station.

The base should never be used to "bypass" the local rules. When it is, that's when you run into problems.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 6:47 PM

2015-02-05T18:47:54-05:00

We work long hours and no telling when our off time is. it may be 0400 in the morning. Why cant I get off at 0400 and get some beer and enjoy my "evening"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 7:07 PM

2015-02-05T19:07:40-05:00

Most PX/BX/NAVEX & Shoppette's or mini-malls in some locations sell alcohol IAW post/base policies which are aligned with local laws/ordinances in some cases. However due to budget constraints, not all shoppette's are open 24/7, depends on where you're stationed.

PTSD, well let's just say it not an excuse to do whatever you want. Alcohol, drugs, prescription meds are a mitigating factor when it comes to those diagnosed with PTSD. Does it add to the stigma, not in my opinion. Regardless of where you're at in your treatment of PTSD, tobacco, alcohol, drugs or whatever vice is, are going to be one of those things that you have to think about. How will it affect your treatment, your family, your co-workers, more importantly how will affect you.

The choice is ultimately yours. We are educated enough and there's been new progress made in the treatment of PTSD. With education, perseverance, having the will to look at obstacles as merely another challenge can probably get you past that beer ad at the PX/shoppette.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 5 at 2015 7:08 PM

2015-02-05T19:08:02-05:00

With all the deaths that occur every year as a result of alcohol why are we continuing to appeal to the mass and making it worst. Responsibility is out the door when alcohol comes into play. Nothing good comes from alcohol, one beer is one beer drunk and two beers are two beers drunk and on it goes to the point that self control is gone. Even drinkers need a break so don't open the PX all night, give it a rest.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Feb 5 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-02-05T19:43:46-05:00

Let the good times roll, and one question what base has a 24/7/365 Class Six? I need to be stationed there. I'm missing out. So many nights like this past Super Bowl, our PX was closed by 1700, I don't live on post and didn't know.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-02-05T20:19:04-05:00

Its up to the individual to be responsible, but why the hell not?