Do Liquor Store Employees Care About Alcoholism?

The question of whether liquor store employees care about alcoholism is a nuanced one. Like in many other service industries, the response can vary widely depending on the individual. Asking if casino employees care about compulsive gamblers is often a comparable analogy. Employees at liquor stores might not share the same level of concern as they could be managing their own personal biases and pressures.

Communal Understanding and Necessity

Approximately 80% of alcohol purchased by consumers comes from just 20% of drinkers, suggesting a high degree of overlap between heavy drinkers and alcoholics. This means that many liquor store employees see habitual customers frequently. In such an environment, a certain level of understanding about the risks and impacts of excessive alcohol consumption might develop, albeit not a deep-seated personal one.

However, it's important to note that not all employees share the same level of concern. Some may be alcoholics themselves while others have no personal experience with alcoholism. One anecdote highlights the sincere concern of a liquor clerk who refused to sell alcohol to a visibly intoxicated customer, even when the customer tried to justify their behavior. Such interactions reflect a broader societal issue of potential improper sales practices by employees, which highlight both their understanding and practical limitations.

Motivations and Professional Distance

Employees in the industry likely understand the responsibility they have and the potential risks that come with their job. They are cognizant that people have the freedom to choose whether or not to drink. Just as car salespeople do not necessarily care about highway deaths despite knowing that some customers may drive irresponsibly, liquor store employees generally do not focus on the personal troubles of their customers. Instead, their primary focus is often on their job responsibilities and ensuring business operations run smoothly.

Perspectives of a Former Manager

A seasoned liquor store manager, reflecting on their experience, noted a wide range of attitudes and motivations among employees. Some might be deeply invested in their work, others might just be there to get through their shifts, and still, others might have personal issues with alcohol, creating a complex mix of motivations and behaviors within the workplace.

The manager further stressed the importance of understanding these complexities and the diverse nature of the workforce. Even with strong empathy and understanding, employees often prioritize organizational and customer service responsibilities over personal concerns about the customers' well-being.

Moreover, the experience of a heavy drinker needing to purchase alcohol at a time they would usually be denied highlights the practical skills of employees in navigating difficult situations. Knowing when and where to make purchases based on when clerks are less observant or more preoccupied with other tasks is a coping mechanism for some.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while liquor store employees can certainly care about alcoholism to some extent, their primary concerns often revolve around their job responsibilities, legal and ethical guidelines, and maintaining a smooth flow of customer interactions. Understanding and addressing the nuanced nature of these roles is vital for both employees and businesses to ensure they fulfill their duties while also recognizing the potential impacts of their work on the community.

Keywords: liquor store employees, alcoholism, concern for alcoholics