I own a grocery store where I sell alcohol. Is that a sin?
sin
Anonymous,
/Questions/grocery_store_sell_alcohol_ENG_284.php
4 Responses to “I own a grocery store where I sell alcohol. Is that a sin?”
Gabriel Ramos
2009-09-27 05:43:05
Hi Roy. I'm happy you came here to ask your question. The Word of Wisdom teaches that we should not drink alcohol, but it says nothing about selling alcohol. I personally would try to avoid selling alcohol if possible, but I think it is not a sin.
For example, in the U.S. state of Utah, where 60% of the population is Mormon, Mormons who own supermarkets sell beer for the non-Mormon residents of the state. Mormon waiters and waitresses serve alcohol if their patrons request it. In the 19th century, Brigham Young, through the city council, regulated and licensed breweries in Utah. On the other hand, Heber C. Kimball doesn't seem to have liked the idea of Mormons selling beer.
Perhaps you should ask your bishop or branch president this question. I imagine that others who answer here on my site may have varied opinions. I hope their answers help! Good luck.
Pamela Dean
2009-09-27 12:54:42
Excellent advice about the sacredness of our bodies can be found in Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Body is Sacred," New Era, Nov 2006, 25.
Surely this advice is meant for the world at large and not just for active temple worthy latter day saints. I would also encourage you to read Dallin H. Oaks, "Brother's Keeper," Ensign, Nov 1986, 20.
Anonymous
2009-09-27 15:05:58
A sin? I'm not sure if it's a sin. However, I do know that alcohol is a bad substance. I think that, if it's possible for you not to sell alcohol there because you own it, then that would be a good thing to do. But if it's not possible, then I'm sure that Heavenly Father would understand. I agree with the webmaster. Seek counsel from your bishop or stake president if you're not sure what you should do.
Richard
2009-09-28 01:32:48
Short answer no it is not a sin to sell alchohol, but perhaps a possible reason that you are asking is that the selling alchohol bothers you? I would seek for guidance from God and let him be the one to impresses upon you to stop selling or not... Or a more direct answer.... You can go talk with your bishop who would have the duty to have a spiritaul care for your soul and if one or both tell ou to stop, then go ahead and stop.
If you don't want to ask but choose to start feeling fine about selling then you'll have to live with that, and all the best to you.
For example, in the U.S. state of Utah, where 60% of the population is Mormon, Mormons who own supermarkets sell beer for the non-Mormon residents of the state. Mormon waiters and waitresses serve alcohol if their patrons request it. In the 19th century, Brigham Young, through the city council, regulated and licensed breweries in Utah. On the other hand, Heber C. Kimball doesn't seem to have liked the idea of Mormons selling beer.
Perhaps you should ask your bishop or branch president this question. I imagine that others who answer here on my site may have varied opinions. I hope their answers help! Good luck.
Surely this advice is meant for the world at large and not just for active temple worthy latter day saints. I would also encourage you to read Dallin H. Oaks, "Brother's Keeper," Ensign, Nov 1986, 20.
If you don't want to ask but choose to start feeling fine about selling then you'll have to live with that, and all the best to you.