Reading Lesson 16

Nevada Town Lifts Decades-Long Ban on Alcohol Sales.
April 12, 2023

Lesson Overview

Nevada Town Lifts Decades-Long Ban on Alcohol Sales

Decades-long ban lifted

Script:

Alcohol sales will soon be allowed in the town of Alamo, Nevada, following a vote by the Lincoln County Commission to repeal a prohibition on buying beer, wine and liquor that had been in place since 1985. The ban was rooted in the religious beliefs of many residents, who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are taught to abstain from alcohol.While bars will still not be permitted, stores in Alamo will now be able to sell alcohol, which will put the town in line with most of the rest of Nevada. The repeal is expected to become effective in about 30 days, according to Lincoln County District Attorney Dylan Frehner.

Alamo, an unincorporated jurisdiction located approximately 90 minutes north of Las Vegas, has a population of around 1,100 people. The town's leadership decided to lift the ban in order to help local businesses compete with rivals outside of town that already sell alcohol.In neighboring Utah, where many residents also follow the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, several communities prohibit alcohol sales. However, some have lifted such bans in recent years, including Hyde Park, which has a population of 4,000.Meanwhile, Panaca, Nevada, which has a population of around 1,000 and is the seat of Lincoln County, remains the only town in the state that still prohibits alcohol sales.

"there will not be a bar on every corner"

A convenience store chain based in Las Vegas has expressed interest in opening a motel, gas station, and market selling liquor just outside of Alamo, according to Town Board Chairman Vern Holaday. The chain already sells alcohol at a store located 7 miles (11 kilometers) away in Ash Springs.County law prohibits alcohol sales within 1,500 feet (457 meters) of a church, school, or other alcohol business, meaning that there will not be a bar on every corner in Alamo.

Questions:

Part 1: Comprehension

Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.

Part 2: True or False Questions

a) True or False - The ban on alcohol sales in Alamo, Nevada, was in place since 1995. T/F

b) True or False - Bars will be permitted to sell alcohol in Alamo, Nevada. T/F

c) True or False - Alamo, Nevada, decided to lift the ban on alcohol sales to help local businesses compete with rivals outside of town. T/F

d) True or False - Panaca, Nevada, is the only town in the state that still prohibits alcohol sales. T/F

Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.

a) "Prohibition"

b) "In line with"

c) "Rivals"

d) "Seat"

Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.

a) Prohibition:

b) In line with:

c) Rivals:

d) Seat:

Part 5: Talking Points

  1. What was the reason for the prohibition on alcohol sales in Alamo, Nevada?
  2. How do you think the lifting of the ban on alcohol sales will affect the local economy in Alamo?
  3. What challenges do you think local businesses in Alamo face in competing with rivals outside of town?
  4. What are your personal views on alcohol consumption? Do you think it is important to respect the religious beliefs of others when it comes to alcohol consumption?
  5. How do you think the lifting of the ban on alcohol sales will affect the social dynamics in Alamo?
  6. What are some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of allowing alcohol sales in small towns like Alamo? How do these compare to larger cities like Las Vegas?
  7. Do you think the convenience store chain's plan to sell liquor just outside of Alamo is a good idea? Why or why not?
  8. What is your personal experience with alcohol consumption?
  9. What are some of the common reasons people choose to abstain from alcohol? How can society better support those who choose to abstain from alcohol?
  10. What are some of the social and cultural norms related to alcohol consumption in your home country? How do these compare to the norms in other countries you are familiar with?

Part 6: Role play Scenarios

  1. Town Board Member and Resident:

A resident of Alamo expresses concern about the recent repeal of the prohibition on alcohol sales. The town board member listens to the resident's concerns and explains the reasoning behind the decision to lift the ban. They discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of allowing alcohol sales in the town.

  1. Convenience Store Manager and Local Business Owner:

The manager of a convenience store chain based in Las Vegas meets with a local business owner just outside of Alamo. The convenience store chain is interested in opening a motel, gas station, and market selling liquor in the area. The local business owner expresses concerns about the impact of such a business on the town's economy and culture. The two discuss possible solutions and compromises.

  1. Tourist and Travel Agent:

A tourist who is visiting Las Vegas wants to explore the surrounding areas, including Alamo. The travel agent suggests different activities and attractions in the area, including visiting the convenience store that sells alcohol just outside of town. The tourist expresses concern about visiting a town where many residents have religious beliefs that prohibit alcohol consumption. The travel agent explains the cultural and historical context of the town and offers advice on how to be respectful and sensitive while visiting.

Part 7: Writing Activity

Giving Advice  - A friend or relative is going on a night out in your hometown or city. Give them some advice on where to go, what to do and any safety percussions they need to take.

Part 8: Critical Thinking - Ban on Alcohol Sales.

Your city officials have put forward a proposal to ban the sale of alcohol in your city. In groups decide on whether your city should ban the sale of alcohol or not. Give reasons to support your answers:

Group A: Supports the banGroup B: Opposes the ban.

After group discussions, come back as a class and make a decision on the proposal.

Answers:

Part 1: Comprehension

The main idea of the article is that the town of Alamo, Nevada has lifted a decades-long ban on alcohol sales, allowing stores in the town to sell alcohol. The ban had been in place since 1985, rooted in the religious beliefs of many of the town's residents, who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The town's leadership decided to lift the ban to help local businesses compete with rivals outside of town that already sell alcohol. The article was written to inform readers about this change in Alamo's laws and to provide some context about the religious and legal factors involved.

Part 2: True or False

A: False B: False C: True D: True

Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.

a) "Prohibition" Answer: I think it means A legal ban on the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol. In this article, it refers to the ban on buying alcohol in Alamo, Nevada, which has been in place since 1985 due to the religious beliefs of many residents.

b) "In line with" Answer: I think this means in accordance with or following a particular guideline, policy, or expectation because in the article they talk about how the town of Alamo will now have the same policies as most of the rest of Nevada.  

c) "Rivals" Answer: I think this means competing businesses or individuals who are seeking the same customers or resources. In this article, the leadership of Alamo decided to lift the ban on alcohol sales to help local businesses compete with rivals outside of town that already sell alcohol.

d) "Seat" Answer: This is the administrative center or capital city of a county or other administrative region. In this article, Panaca, Nevada is described as the seat of Lincoln County, which is the only town in the state that still prohibits alcohol sales.

Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)

a) Prohibition: The Prohibition era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, resulted in the outlawing of alcohol production and distribution.

b) In line with: The company's decision to reduce plastic packaging is in line with their commitment to environmental sustainability.

c) Rivals: The two soccer teams, Real Madrid and Barcelona, are fierce rivals, and their matches are always highly anticipated.

d) Seat: In the upcoming election, the candidate from the Green Party is competing for a seat in the city council.

Part 7: Writing (example)

If you're going for a night out in our hometown, there are a few great places to consider. Start by exploring the vibrant downtown area where you'll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The local jazz club is perfect for live music enthusiasts. For a scenic view, head to the waterfront promenade. Remember to stay in well-lit and busy areas, especially if you're out late. Keep an eye on your belongings and travel in groups if possible. It's a good idea to have your phone fully charged and to let someone know your plans. Have a fantastic night out, stay safe, and don't drink too much!

Nevada Town Lifts Decades-Long Ban on Alcohol Sales.

Download Full PDF Lesson
Lesson Reinforcement links (further reading/viewing)
Tiny Nevada Town Gets County OK to Lift Ban on Alcohol Sales
Qatar bans alcohol at 2022 World Cup stadiums - BBC News

Have a look through our letest collections. Its Free!

Explore