With reference to the “Montgomery needs to get out of the liquor business” [editorial, Jan. 30], I do not care what the historical legacy is concerning why Montgomery County is in control of all liquor sales in the county, it is my firm belief that it is absolutely ridiculous and basically un-American. It blocks true entrepreneurial competition, it totally impedes healthy growth of businesses in the county that deal in the restaurant sector since crazy approval and purchasing has to go through the county and it makes me continue to practice the absolute right to buy liquor anywhere but in Montgomery County, which is what I do.

For the county legislature to think they are helping to keep the numbers of alcoholics and drunk drivers down by controlling all liquor sales, is absolutely nuts. Compound that with a pathetic additional 25 percent surcharge or tax or whatever, and it seems that anyone who does purchases wine, beer or liquor anywhere in the county needs his or her head examined.

Frank A. Robey, Bethesda