The Orange County Register's Barbara Giasone reported yesterday that the Fullerton Parks and Recreation Commission was to hold discussions on allowing beer and wine sales at the Fullerton Sports Complex during the Summer Concert Series. Why this hasn't come up before is surprising.
Fullerton is well known for being a cultural Mecca of college partying with the vast number of bars just in the downtown area alone and the numerous institutions of higher learning. However, since the drinkers all pack up and go home for the summer, the City is loosing tax revenue from the loss of alcohol-related sales. Add to that the poor economy and you have a City struggling to continue to provide concerts and other social events. Selling beer and wine is one way to make a lot of money quickly and create a mess or two as we have seen in the downtown area for several years. At a glance, it would seem that since the concerts in the Sports Complex are family events, there will be few people actually getting drunk, vomiting, and passing out. However, something to consider is the fact that the suppressed economy has spurred an increase in alcohol consumption.
Since the Great Depression of the 1920's, 30's, and 40's alcohol producers have seen increases in demand for liquor and beer. When times get tough, consumers tend to opt for cheaper brands, choosing to spend less and drink more. Consumers are also choosing to drink at home over costly nights at the local pub.
So, if everyone is staying home to drink, how will the City of Fullerton make money? Perhaps residents will choose the concert series as their one family night out each week. Perhaps the unemployed/under-employed ±20% of Fullerton Residents will find work by then, maybe even in the alcohol sales business. The reality is that we will likely see an increase in barbeque sales, propane sales, hotdogs, hamburger patties/buns, and some backyard basics. I don't think we will see too many of the $2,000 barbeques but probably more of the $200 variety. This will allow many to feel that they are living better without spending more. They will drink by their burners and backyard fire pits. They will invite their neighbors and share their angst over education, politics, and the economy.
You will also see an increase in the birthrate. With less money to go out drinking, couples will be feeling the effects of cheap booze in the comfort of their private abode. Expect a higher demand for OB/GYN and pediatricians. Expect to see more home additions to accommodate expanding families and with that a boom in minor construction, architecture, engineering, and land surveying. 
Of course I'm not much of a prophet nor am I a good fortune teller. Just look around to see that this trend started about 3 years ago. Coincidently, I have a 4-year-old and a 4-month-old as a testament to this dip and a twelve-year-old from the last big dip I felt in the 90’s. Since I regard my children as the best thing that ever happened to me, I think recessions may not be so bad.
Aint life grand!
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