In New Zealand they have such a mature way of handling alcohol. It is sold in all major supermarkets and liquor specific shops. Corner stores or small shops are not allowed to sell beer or spirits. Wine can be sold by vineyards, but all large supermarkets carry a vast array of wine, beer and premixed drinks but no hard liquor. When you purchase alcohol in a supermarket, the cashier rings a bell and the supervior must come and check the purchaser and make sure they are of age. The fine for selling to a minor is very high so they are very careful to pre-qualify the purchaser. The liquor only outlets are also diligent, for the same reasons.
We recently attended the movie theatre in Kerikeri. There is a cafe attached to the theatre and you were allowed to purchase beer or wine from the cafe to take with you into the theatre. How civilized!
With the amount of money the province of Ontario makes at the LCBO and Beer Store, I am sure that I will never see this type of alcohol distribution in Ontario. Too bad.
Another major difference between NZ and Canada is roundabouts. There are no traffic lights in the entire north country, even in the middle of major towns and residential areas. You never wait for more than one or two minutes when the traffic is heavy and in most cases, you do not even stop. I have never seen an accident at a roundabout. Pedestrians are protected by two types of roundabouts. They put a crosswalk at all roundabouts and if they have a florescent road sign at the top of the striped pole, pedestrians have the right of way. If there is no sign on top of the striped pole, pedestrians must give way to cars. It works to perfection!
I believe that roundabouts save time, pollution and gas and seem to cut down on road rage as you are always moving forward to your destination. Also, no time for texting or calling on your cell phone. How civilized!
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