I was concerned when I read in The Monroe Times that Wal-Mart is requesting a change to the city's liquor license quota so it can sell liquor in their new store. It is interesting that this request came during Alcohol Awareness Month.

My concern isn't about adults purchasing alcohol; although, I question why we need another outlet for alcohol. My concerns lies with the impact this has on our young people. Underage drinking is a major problem in the U.S. and particularly in Wisconsin. Alcohol is the drug of choice among young people. Among young people, alcohol is a major cause of death and increases the risk of physical or sexual assault. Alcohol affects the developing brain of adolescents, and research has found that the younger someone starts drinking, the greater the risk they will have alcohol abuse problems as an adult.

Availability and advertisements are two of the biggest lures for young people when it comes to drinking. Is there a need to sell alcohol in yet another store? Wisconsin already has the distinction of being the biggest consumer of alcohol in the country. We need to think about the impact that overexposing our children to alcohol products, advertisements and our own behavior has on our children.

I sincerely hope that the Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee will consider the impact that this will have on our young people when they deliberate Wal-Mart's request.