When it comes to liquor laws Kansas isn’t like most states. Our liquor laws are more conservative than most states. In fact only five or six have liquor laws like ours. For instance, liquor can’t be purchased on Sunday, liquor stores close at 10 p.m., wine and hard liquor can’t be purchased at grocery stores, major retailers, convenience stores or gas stations.
It’s always interesting to try and explain our laws to out of state visitors. It’s usually just summarized best by just explaining about how it’s a product of living in the Bible belt. Kansans accept the laws and know that they just need to plan ahead when they want to purchase alcohol.
On page one we have a story on the new liquor laws that are being discussed before the Kansas Legislature.
The tentative proposal would allow major retailers, grocery stores, convenience stores and other businesses to sell strong beer, wine and hard liquor. Currently those businesses are limited to just selling 3.2 beer.
While the debate will center on convenience, the battle is really about money and that is why both sides have high-paid lobbyists hard at work.
From a consumers point of view most would support this proposal. In the age of convenience, most consumers would prefer to just buy their alcohol at the supermarket instead of making an extra stop at the liquor store. In an emporiagazette.com online poll - 58 percent were in favor of changing the liquor laws and 39 percent weren’t.
But convenience will come at a cost which would mean hurting the independent liquor stores.
Over the last several decades retailing has changed. One stop shopping at major retailers has closed many of the independently owned business that dotted main streets. For the most part, liquor stores have survived the retailing changes since state law limited competition.
If the liquor laws are changed the impact will vary depending on the size of a community.
For Emporia more liberal liquor laws would be devastating to the independent liquor stores. It would pit the mom and pop liquor stores against the major retailers. Since so much is purchased at the major retailers in our community the independent liquor stores would lose out.
But for the small rural communities who have no liquor stores or major retailers but cling to the one grocery store this change could give those stores extra income to help their community grocery store in business.
This debate in Topeka will be interesting to watch and it will be interesting to see how legislators handle the issue since they represent all sizes of communities where some of their constituents would benefit from the legislation and others would be hurt by it.
For Emporia, it’s in the community’s best interest to keep the liquor laws the same in an effort to keep as many businesses operating as possible.
We hope Emporia’s legislators will not support legislation that would help close locally owned businesses and create vacant buildings around town.
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
It takes 8460 bolts to assemble an automoble and one nut to scatter it all over the road--bumper sticker.
February 14, 2011 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
solong (anonymous) says...
Yes, it would hurt them because they now enjoy a monopoly.
February 14, 2011 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Chris, you are a dolt. (in my opinion) Your argument is that we shouldn't allow this because it MAY hurt a handful of locals. What you don't seem to understand is that you can't protect EVERYONE in a free market. Competition is a good thing; it keeps prices fair and provides the best service for the customer. If the Mom and Pop liquor stores can't compete, then maybe they should change their tactics. Maybe they should start selling groceries too. Additionally, if customers stop shopping at Mom and Pop's Liquor Store, they'll obviously be shopping elsewhere, right? Won't that store then need more help to accommodate the influx of customers? That sounds like new jobs to me! Even in the worst case scenario, we'll gain as many jobs as we lose. What if Ol' Mom and Pop run a grocery store and are struggling to make ends meet. Maybe selling booze is their only hope of turning it all around. How is it fair to punish the grocers to protect the liquor store owners? It's not.
Are you against the Internet? After all, isn't online shopping a threat to all local businesses? Should we make it illegal to buy online? Should we make it illegal to sell clothes and food in the same store? Are you against new stores opening in town? Won't new businesses steal customers away from existing shops? Oh my goodness! We shouldn't allow any new businesses to come to town or else somebody might go out of business! The Farmers Market is stealing business from the produce departments in local stores; let's do away with the farmers market! ...Do you see how stupid your kind of logic sounds?
Let's be honest, you don't like this legislation because of your religious beliefs. Isn't that right, Chris? As a conservative, you are scared of change and threaten by things that go against your beliefs and that is what this is all about. I haven't been to church in like 20 years and I buy and drink booze on Sundays. That must really bother you, huh? Too bad your "god" isn't powerful enough to stop me! Bwa, haa, haaaa! I laugh at religious kooks who try to force their ways on the community with unsubstantiated arguments. I don't think we should trust the opinion of someone who talks (prays) to a magic man in the clouds. Seriously, dude, most people call that kind of behavior "schizophrenia". Yeah, let's trust the crazy guy. LOL! The homeless guy talking to his shoe says this legislation is a good idea. Let's believe him too! ROFL! This article should be filed under the heading "Crazy Chris' Comedy Corner". Hwooo...my sides hurt from laughing at you and your freedom-robbing ideals.
'enry
February 14, 2011 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthinkin (anonymous) says...
Liquor can be purchased on Sundays in Kansas.
February 14, 2011 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
well, the times they are a changing aren't they?
February 14, 2011 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodjoss (anonymous) says...
I don't like this idea because Wally World will convince my fav-o-rite genuine Kentucky Bourbon distiller to move their operations to China.
I don't believe there is such a thing as a free-market. Money and Power always show their influence whether overtly or covertly.
If there were such a thing as a free-market, how does one explain trade tariffs?
Mom & Pop don't live in a $10 hut.
February 14, 2011 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Bottom line, let the customer decide. I work in KC and see it all the time. People will run over the border to buy liquor because it is more convenient. Kansas has an antiquated view on this law, having 6.1 and 3.2 beer alone costs distributors more and this trickles down to the customer. It's a dumb law that never should have been in place to begin with.
February 14, 2011 at 4:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LAZER (anonymous) says...
Well...
...it's probably going to happen. But, does make me think about the ridiculous BCS crap. The biggest reason for BCS is the BOWLS!
God, they are Sacred Cows! No other college sport WAITS...5-6 weeks to play their Championship Game.
Everything else changes...hey, just think if everything was like the bowls, writing/reading stuff like this wouldn't happen.
I do hate to see the private liquor stores die. But, I don't see anyway to keep it from happening.
Now, let's get a real college football playoff!
Oh...if Walmart, Dillons, Price Chopper, Country Mart, etc....start selling Hard Liquor & Wines, there are going to be MORE ALCHOLICS.
More under age kids are going to be buying & drinking. More accidents. And, likely, some of the Real Proponents of selling booze in Grocery Stores...are going to be killed by some drunken driver...who got his/her booze at a Grocery Store!
It'll happen.
February 14, 2011 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
10pm? Since when?
February 14, 2011 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jasper007 (anonymous) says...
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. For once I strongly agree with Mr. Walker. I can understand the convenience, but I can't understand, the way our economic situation is, the loss of a life-long business, employing many people. As I have said before, if this measure does pass, EVERYONE CONTINUE TO SHOP AND SUPPORT OUR LOCAL "Liquor" stores!!!!
February 14, 2011 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
LAZER,
So...you're saying the move WILL result in increased sales and revenue? Awesome! Our State and local economy needs it!
Hey, I think selling kitchen knives in places like Walmart and Dillions is bad because it increases the chance of someone buying the knife and stabbing someone. More people will accidentally cut themselves and it's more likely that kids will hurt themselves with them. Knives should only be sold in liquor stores because that'll prevent all knife-related harm. Dumb, dumb, dumb...
'enry
February 14, 2011 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Ever think that people loyal to certain stores will stay loyal? What's next shop Emporia first or get fined?
February 14, 2011 at 4:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
nieghbor--
9PM is just Emporia and so is the Sunday rule. I can't tell you how many people I know of that go to Americus or Strong City to by booze on Sunday.
February 14, 2011 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
krazykansan (anonymous) says...
Our state legislative folks still think we are living in the shoot'em up days of the old west.
Check your guns at the sheriffs office partner, and no alcohol on sunday or mothers day.
Dumb azz pr**ks living in the 18th century.
February 14, 2011 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LAZER (anonymous) says...
Hey...
Henry the VIIIth! You'd have to get better....just to get up to Stupid!
February 14, 2011 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Yev, I'm aware of those City ordinances, so according to Chris' "facts", why does Olpe and Americus stay open after 10pm?
February 14, 2011 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
o'henry,,you said competition is good, I agree, but with chinamart you will get
predatory capitalism.This results in higher prices at the end for us when the dust collects in our mom and pop store.
February 14, 2011 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Who says you can't buy booze at the grocery?
1 can grape concentrate
1 pkg yeast
5 lbs sugar
5 gal purified water
1 party balloon
February 14, 2011 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
langston76 (anonymous) says...
Kansas grocers can open a liquor department in their grocery stores today, with a separate entrance. Current Kansas law allows them to do that. If alcohol is such a necessity for them to stay in business, and they can sell it now, why are they not doing so? They do not need to change any law to get the benefits they claim they will get.
The study that claims changing the laws will generate jobs and revenue is flawed. It only calculates the benefits of the system but none of the economic downsides, such as hundreds of small businesses going out of business, rural jobs being lost, costs associated with increased social problems, wholesalers increased costs, etc.
The only individuals this helps are out of state entities who do not live in Kansas and take their money away from the state. There is nothing wrong with supporting our neighbors first, and out of state entities second.
For more information on this issue, visit www.keepkansasjobs.com
February 14, 2011 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowereastside (anonymous) says...
I am for anything that increases sales, and sales tax revenue. As long as that sales tax revenue does not buy large monolithic "pet rocks". I think everyone needs to remember the city council meeting on Wednesday night I think at 7. Maybe Mr. Walker could remind us all again about the time and date just to make sure. Please attend if you are against the city squandering out diminishing sales tax revenues.
February 14, 2011 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
REWBA, did that one of our very "poor" Christmas as gifts, wasn't bad. Today with the computer, what beautiful labels could be made. Also made homemade soap, the wine cleaned the inside, the soap the outside!!!!! :-)
February 14, 2011 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I've always wanted to make soap but have been too lazy to try. I've made beer and wine but would like to learn to distill spirits...For medicinal purposes :-)
February 14, 2011 at 7:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
armybrat (anonymous) says...
Get serious. Business is business. You cant control the free market forever. Since I was in college the liquor laws have been antiquated. Convienience would definitely increase total sales and tax receipts. I am never sure what motivates Walker in his verbage. I would have been more impressed hadhr said this would create more alcohol issues than for protecting the few stores in town.
February 14, 2011 at 7:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dj2879 (anonymous) says...
Amen, 'enry!!!!
Personally, it would be nice when picking up my ingredients for a recipe that I could get them ALL in one place. & I would. However, I would also still go to the liquor store as well, as I'm sure walmart isn't going to carry all my favorite wines.
Face it people, capitalism is an evil monster. Deal with it or move on or try to change it (good luck). And study up on Marxism and communism. They were great ideas in theory, then a couple of screwballs blew it way out of proportion and gave them a bad name. Our country's problem? We've got a couple hundred screwballs getting involved and messing up our economic structure!
February 14, 2011 at 7:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
The legislature should send both special interest groups a curve ball. It would be funny to have the state take full control of all liquor sales and distribution through state owned liquor stores and state owned distribution centers so that all profits on liquor sales belongs to the state like the system Utah has. That is one way to repair KPERS and keep it solvent for years to come. Legalize and tax pot and our public schools could get a large infusion of cash. The liquor store owners could sell out to the state and be hired by their buyers and have better benefits than they give themselves now while the special interest lawyers return to their cement jungles empty handed. But that would require representatives with big stones. :-)
February 14, 2011 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hometownboy (anonymous) says...
chris you need to drive around to some of the snall towns. i think they have more liquor stores than grocery stores.
February 14, 2011 at 9:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pinkpintopony (anonymous) says...
Everywhere else that I have ever lived ( with the exception of Utah) has sold beer and wine in the grocery store, and I have lived from the West Coast to the East Coast and everywhere in between! I am excited at the possibility of once again being able to buy beer and wine when I am shopping for groceries. Keep the hard liquor at the liquor store. As someone else previously mentioned....the stores probably won't carry all of our favorite wines. We will still need to go to the liquor store occasionally.
February 14, 2011 at 10:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
KU PU KU HOW ABOUT THOSE CATS? NOW THAT IS SOMETHING TO TOAST!!!!!!!!!!
February 15, 2011 at 12:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I get a good laugh watching conservatives criticize capitalism. One question for the detractors, How is there are plenty of liquor stores thriving over in KC MO? By your logic they would all be gone.
February 15, 2011 at 12:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Not a bad thing that KU lost, might keep K State out of the NIT. Being number 1 at the end of the year is all that matters anyways.
February 15, 2011 at 1:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
You're only looking at once side of the argument. The liquor stores in KS are pretty limited. Buy a bag of ice or a pack of cigarettes inside of them. If you want to have a party at your house, you can't buy all the supplies at one stop......
February 15, 2011 at 2:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I've been in plenty that sell the basics listed above. There is a Sam's in KCMO that sells alcohol, multiple liquor stores within blocks. Yet they survive. I would love to here a convincing for it, no one has presented one yet.
February 15, 2011 at 4:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
REWBA, Yep, those "medicinal purposes" do arise upon occasion! :-) My husband used to drink 7&7, so we kept Segrams in business!!! I always wondered how he could stand it. He would fix me one upon occasion and about five years ago had a cold and someone suggested buying a bottle. Got a pint and still have 3/4 left. Should be really good now!!!! Cough syrup anyone??
February 15, 2011 at 6:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hometownkid (anonymous) says...
I believe awhile back when emporia was having a special vote on wether to have sunday liquor sales several of the local liquor store owners where quoted in the paper that they didn't want to be open on sunday. That they worked hard enough as it was. Now that maybe some liquor products might be sold in other stores they are screaming how it could hurt their business.
We tried to offer them more hours to be open and the liquor stores didn't want it. Now maybe they are re thinking that decision.
Go ask any area liquor store that is open on sundays how their business is that day.
Maybe it is time for a change.
February 15, 2011 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
citizen1 (anonymous) says...
let the stores sell it! and this is why. When the smoking ban was proposed by the state lilquors stores pushed hard for it. Why? so folks will decided to stay home and drink thus spending more at the liquor stores then at the bars. Not so nice when your business is at stake now is it?
February 15, 2011 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Excellent point, citizen1.
February 15, 2011 at 8 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
citizen1,
I don't completely follow your reasoning.
Bars have to buy from liquor stores, so if the bars sales went down they would buy less from the liquor stores. I think it was probably a wash for the liquor stores. Maybe the liquor stores beer sales went up, I'm not sure?
Anyway, I never heard of the liquor store lobby pushing for the state smoking ban, maybe some individual owners did.
February 15, 2011 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Pingeon,
The last I knew you couldn't buy ice or ciggs inside a liquor store. You had to go outside to get your ice. maybe it's changed?
February 15, 2011 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
I'm in agreement with goodoleboy. When you cross state line, Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Price Chopper, etc have one isle for liquor. Some locations have 1/2 an isle.
The products are minimum: a small selection of beer, hard liquor and wine. Most people buy liquor at the other locations to compliment a meal or as a last minute decision for a special occasion. Grilling burgers pick up a pack of beer. At Walgreens to purchase a V-Day card, buy a bottle of wine.
When you want a keg, your favorite wine, imported beer or rum, you go to a liquor store.
The liquor stores in KCMO aren't hurting for business. And, it gives other companies a small boost in sales.
February 15, 2011 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
langston76:
"Kansas grocers can open a liquor department in their grocery stores today, with a separate entrance. Current Kansas law allows them to do that. If alcohol is such a necessity for them to stay in business, and they can sell it now, why are they not doing so?"
When grocers are already strapped for business and trying to figure out how to keep their doors open, I doubt, it's within their budget to remodel the store to include an addition to accommodate a liquor department with an extra entrance.
It would be easier and cheaper to rearrange a few isles and clear space for a small section of liquor.
February 15, 2011 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Cafes and Diners with home styled meals vs Fast Food Chain Franchises with processed food.
Mom and Pop Service Stations where they take care of you and your car with top grade company products vs C-Stores where you serve yourself with the cheapest gas they can get, and over priced items in store.
Small Family Farms, crops well tended and animals well taken care of vs Corporate and Mega Farms, growth hormones, heavy chemical use.
Family owned Furniture and Appliance Stores, quality items and service vs Furniture Marts, Best Buys etc, cheap quality, cash and carry and good luck with warranty.
Family ran Auotmotive Part Stores, quality parts, factory OEM equipment vs Chain Franchises, discounted cheap quality parts.
Hometown Banks that know you by name and keep your business local vs Corporate National Banks that sell your mortgage and notes before you even sign the paperwork. They charge fees for everything. They have no idea who you are unless you provide your number.
Paycheck Loan businesses come next, they follow the workers that move to town to work in the low wage paying businesses that are moving in every day.
Recognize Emporia?
February 15, 2011 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
allintogether (anonymous) says...
I would love to buy cold beer or a nice bottle of Knob Creek or Woodford Reserve on a Sunday in Emporia. However, I don't mind driving to Olpe or Americus to get it. Otherwise, I plan ahead and buy "Sunday booze". This is a non issue and now I am thirsty at 11:30am. Only 6 more hours!
February 15, 2011 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hoochhawker (anonymous) says...
Excellent analogy Neighbor
I see alot of people on here say that if the liquor stores provide good customer service then they will have nothing to fear. Well... Look at the businesses you referred to in your post. Most of them provided good customer service and still the people let them down. And for what? To save a dime, on something you will have to buy and replace several times. because of poor quality.
It may not be that way with the liquor stores but I'm betting people will settle for what ever Wal-Mart or Dillons is selling with little variety because they cant be bothered with going to "another" store..How inconvenient!!
That is what they are counting on.
February 15, 2011 at 12:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
What research was conducted to verify: "most consumers would prefer to just buy their alcohol at the supermarket instead of making an extra stop at the liquor store" and
"For Emporia more liberal liquor laws would be devastating to the independent liquor stores...Since so much is purchased at the major retailers in our community the independent liquor stores would lose out."
Perhaps, a case study is needed on the Consentino, Ball and Berbiglia families.
The Consentino and Ball families own grocery stores in Kansas and Missouri.
The Berbiglia family operates liquor stores in Missouri.
Near eight of the Berbiglia locations, there are more than eight grocery stores that also sell beer, wine and spirits. However, the Berbiglia family continues exceed profits and expand locations.
Berbiglia is one retailer amongst many.
Liquor stores are not suffering because grocery stores sell alcohol. As a matter of fact, in Missouri, a mom and pop liquor store is located across the street from a major grocery store. Although the grocer sells alcohol, there is a steady group of customers, everyday, at the mom & pop store. It's not suffering because the grocery store, across the street, also sells alcohol. Rather, Mike's is one the most popular liquor stores in that area.
February 15, 2011 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
I too predict that liquor stores with a long history of customer service will survive if this change takes place. It will definately affect their walk-in business, but long-time customers will continue to patronize them. I wish they would have stayed with promoting industrial growth in this area back in the day instead of embracing the low budget retail market. Emporia is quickly becoming a slum because of it.
February 15, 2011 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Bingo, neighbor, Bingo!!!
This retail scheme of "if you build it they will come" was the brainchild of people who owned land in those areas. It was their way of unloading land and making a buck at the expense of the local economy. But boy oh boy, to hear them tell it, you'd think we'd struck gold! Now we have so many empty storefronts to prove how "right" they were. Where are they now with their schemes of retail spaces extraordinaire? I'll tell you where they are. They're introducing more pie-in-the-sky ideas about tourism being the next cure-all.
With no jobs in the area, or just minimum wage jobs, how in the world are people supposed to "shop Emporia first"?
Good grief, save us from the amateur planners.
February 15, 2011 at 4:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I disagree with neighbor's local bank theory. If you go to a local bank seeking a business loan, there is a good chance that one of the trustees is also a competitor in the business who will recommend denial of your loan as he steals your business plan, client and intellectual property. It's happened to me so I refuse to bank local.
February 15, 2011 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Also, that jingle that ends with "Shop Emporia First" has other words too. When I enter a liquor store and ask for a special product and the clerk looks at me like I got something growing out of my forehead for asking if they can order it, that's not "doing all they can do". It's not just booze either, it's clothing stores and art supply outlets too. If they don't carry it, they don't carry it and won't order it either. If I can find it online and have it delivered to my front door cheaper than the local shop, that might be a "neighbor" but it isn't much of a "friend".
February 15, 2011 at 6:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wes (anonymous) says...
I heard from a pretty good source that this is walmart and dillions is pushing for this.
February 15, 2011 at 11:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
wes -
The coalition is comprised of many associations and retailers. A few different groups:
Kansas Food Dealers Association has 300 members in support.
Retail Grocers Assoc. of Greater Kansas City has 60 members.
Casey's
Kroger, Dillions, Kwik Shop
Walmart
Quik Trip
Hy-vee
Henhouse
Pricechopper
It's not a secret who's pushing for this bil. Here's the website: http://www.jobsforkansas.com
February 16, 2011 at 7:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
knute (anonymous) says...
Neighbor's analogy was right on as well as so many others' opinion that there would likely be a limited selection in the all-encompassing stores. The local WalMart has been steadily reducing the numbers of product choices available for quite some time.
February 18, 2011 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
bump
February 20, 2011 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
NOON TODAY IS DEADLINE FOR ADVANCE VOTING !
February 28, 2011 at 6:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )