Originally Posted by BillyD

They're essential because alcohol is 1) a diversion from boredom, 2) induces cheer and good spirits, 3) known to have a calming effect on most people despite it's technical classification as a stimulus, and 4) even puts many to sleep. Beer, as an example, makes BillyD sleepy almost without fail.

Finally 5) there will almost certainly be civil unrest if liquor stores closed.