Ursula Reutin: Spokane’s booze ban is merely ‘a Band-Aid solution’

The Spokane City Council has unanimously passed a one-year ban on new alcohol retailers within 500 feet of schools and libraries, not including grocery stores.

City officials say the measure aims to reduce public drinking and safeguard vulnerable neighborhoods, especially as alcohol-related crime is on the rise, according to the Spokesman-Review. 

Ursula Reutin, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, opposes the ban, arguing it will only address symptoms without solving the root cause.

“I think that even if liquor isn’t sold right there, it’s still just a band-aid solution,” Ursula said. “People will find alcohol elsewhere and still end up in parks or near schools. Spokane clearly has a problem it’s trying to address, but I believe the focus should be more on helping people struggling with addiction, rather than shutting down stores that sell liquor.”

Spokane bans new liquor stores near schools

Gee Scott, co-host of “Gee and Ursula,” supported the measure, mentioning his experience with liquor stores in Chicago and Seattle.

“I’m good with the ban because, growing up in Chicago—and I’m sure it was the same here in Seattle—there was liquor being sold on every corner,” Gee said. “It felt like there were more liquor stores than anything else. So yeah, Ursula, I’m with this.”

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.