Here's a challenge: It's reported in The Bellingham Herald this week that statewide liquor sales are showing continued strength. Purchases have jumped 12 percent.

Let's keep an eye on this double-digit increase and see if, as recently happened in England when pub hours were extended, there isn't a similar increase in the number of cases of domestic violence, of unprovoked assaults, of DUIs, of emergency ward admissions and of deadly auto accidents.

John Bell Smithback

Bellingham