Apparently, the majority of aldermen feel that the citizens of Franklin cannot decide on the issue for themselves. Let's remember, it is still legal to consume alcohol above the age of 21, if done responsibly. The last time I checked, Prohibition ended in the 1930's because it was unsuccessful. Giving that much power to a malt beverage is somewhat silly. It says that people aren't capable of knowing what's best for themselves- that all of us are out to harm ourselves or others without herding from those in authority.
Every human is responsible for determining the rights and wrongs of their own lives.
Unfortunately, no one else can do it for us just as they will not face the consequences for us. Not all of our beliefs in morality are similar, as we have seen more than ever in the past month. Suppressing those beliefs do not make them go away. They just make for a more frustrated believer. The voice of a community should be the most important role in a public official's decisions.