Advantages/disadvantages of dry neighborhoods (sales, crime, lawyers)

[ajolotl]

I'd be interested in hearing others' opinions on the value/implications of keeping a neighborhood dry in the city. Beverly (east of Western) has always been dry, but soon there will be a referendum to allow a limited form of alcohol sales (no package stores, etc.). At first this struck me as great news, attracting more good restaurants to 103rd street business district, a little more life in the neighborhood, etc. But after hearing the Alderman speak at the planning association meeting I'm less certain. The issue seems to be with how the law will be twisted/interpreted by lawyers representing other interests,etc. (e.g. CVS on 103rd and Longwood will sue to serve alcohol if Cafe 103 can, etc.). I've also never been convinced that selling alcohol will lead to crime and a general degradation of a neighborhood, etc. This seems like a kind of Puritanical and out of touch viewpoint. With all of the bars along the western side of Western there doesn't seem to be any crime problem there. Then again, Beverly is a bit of an island and it benefits to some extent from being dumbed-down (like Hyde Park - keep it peaceful and let outsiders do their shopping elsewhere).

Any views on this would be appreciated? Is dry a generally desirable thing? Are there any data points for other neighborhoods, etc?