Why drinking booze is good for your city

The Texas Hospitality Association is capitalizing on the economic downtown by telling cities that don't allow liquor sales they can enjoy major economic benefits if they go "wet." According to this THA report "A typical small community of 25,000 people having an income 10 percent below the state average can expect to generate $19 million in spending in the local economy, increase economic output by $10.8 million and create 185 jobs" by deciding to allow the sale of distilled beverages. "A town of 100,000 population with average income can expect to see an increase of $90 million in annual spending and an increase in economic output of almost $51 million while creating around 860 jobs" and "a large community of 150,000 people and per capita income levels 20 percent above the Texas average would generate a projected $134 million in new spending and almost $80 million in new economic activity while creating almost 1,400 new jobs."

It's also interesting to note that this report comes out just about a month before voters in Fort Worth, Greenville, Irving, Melissa, Roanoke, Southlake, Waxahachie, Weatherford and 11 other Texas cities go to the polls to decide on changes to laws governing alcohol sales.

Drink up and stay economically healthy.