[Sooth2222]

For just one example — no prosecution of shoplifting. Why would anyone every buy a book in Boston? Just go to a bookstore, pick up a couple of volumes and walk out. Only fools would pay. Works for liquor stores too. Anywhere. Just grab what you want and go.

I'm not sure that petty thieves are a demographic that curls up with a good book and reads very much.

But liquor stores -- I have no idea how they can deal with this.

[ClearCase_guy]

Of course I’m being glib, but I mention bookstores and liquor stores with a purpose.

Sure, you’d kind of expect the criminal element to start lifting merchandise from liquor stores. No real surprise in that sort of thing.

But imagine someone in a suit and tie, on Beacon Hill, off to his job on the 24th floor of a big downtown skyscraper — and the guy just pops into a bookstore, grabs a couple books and walks out.

If the middle class starts thinking that laws don’t matter, I’d say you have a big problem.

[Chickensoup]

But liquor stores — I have no idea how they can deal with this

____________

Third world tactics, locked shelves.

[Oldexpat]

Pay first at the bullet proof window. Then get you booze. Just like the post office in Dorchester.