Cord Byrd: “Senator Bingaman has brought to the attention of the Senate a new and deadly twist on the idea of convenience stores. He…”

“Senator Bingaman has brought to the attention of the Senate a new and deadly twist on the idea of convenience stores. He has discussed the existence in some States of stores that sell alcohol at drive-up windows. That is simply amazing to me, a store that sells alcohol at a drive-up window. How can we take seriously any campaign to reduce the dangers of drinking and driving, while at the same time allowing sales of alcoholic beverages to people in their cars! It is crazy. I am sure that these drivers will, of course, always, personally, follow the guidelines to 'wait until you get home to drink these alcoholic beverages!' I am just as sure of that as I am sure that everyone who buys take out food at a drive through window waits until they are safely off the highway before trying to eat a dripping burger or a hot, salty french fry, while simultaneously steering a three thousand pound automobile through traffic! I applaud the action being taken by my distinguished colleague, Senator Bingaman, to ban these alcoholic beverage sales at drive-up windows. There is no reason to take the concept of convenience to this extreme. I have been on the face of this beautiful Earth for a little over 80 years now, and I have seen a lot of new conveniences come into my life, but I can adamantly admit that this is not one that I welcome.”