DeKalb officials have a problem with a proposal for a drive-thru liquor store, but their concerns are blown out of proportion.

Thirsty Liquors owner Nick Tsiftilis wants to open a drive-thru at the new store at 1309 W. Hillcrest Drive to accommodate his customers that are on the go.

Liquor commission members and DeKalb police fear the convenience of a drive-thru will only inconvenience employees and promote illegal and unsafe activity.

But employees working the register inside the liquor store face the same challenges as employees at the drive-thru. It makes little difference if cashiers have to check IDs handed over the counter or handed through a window.

As for underage buyers attempting to use a fake ID, the same fake IDs can be passed off inside the store. Cashiers need to be vigilant of fraudulent identification regardless of where the transaction takes place. It goes without saying that every passenger in the car would need to present adequate identification, just as every person in the store is asked for ID at checkout.

DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen said a cashier at the drive-thru window wouldn’t be able to see or smell if a customer is intoxicated.

However, the scent of alcohol on the driver’s breath still would be noticeable – the cashier would be only about six feet away. The additional interaction of having to place a verbal order for alcohol – something that’s not necessary in the store – offers another opportunity to discern the customer’s degree of sobriety. Besides, sitting in a car won’t hide a drunk’s behavior.

Depot Liquors in Sycamore has a drive-thru, and co-owner Rita Miller said the store has never experienced an intoxicated driver at the window.

Critics also voiced concerns that a drive-thru would promote drinking while driving. It’s unlikely that the mode of delivery will impact a driver’s decision to crack open a beer upon leaving. They don’t open a bottle of Bacardi and take a swig while walking to their cars from the liquor store. Open liquor in a vehicle is still illegal, and a drive-thru won’t make the practice more widespread.

What officials need to recognize is that a drive-thru liquor store isn’t as bad as they are imagining it to be, as long as the same rules of discretion that apply inside the liquor store are followed at the window.