Prosecutors Desk 10-16-11 – Initiative 1183

This election, voters are faced with several issues which have been getting lots of play in the media. One is Initiative 1183. This has to do with the distribution of liquor in the State of Washington. This measure would close state liquor stores, license private businesses to sell, set license fees bases on the amount of sales, establish regulations for sellers, change regulation of wine beverages and strengthen laws regarding illegal sales.

In short and plain words, this initiative would get the state out of the liquor selling business. Presently in Washington, manufacturers and suppliers of hard liquor may only sell it to the Washington State Liquor Board. The Board is the sole distributor of liquor in the state and sells it only in its own stores and through contracts. The Board sets the prices and collects the taxes generated from the liquor sales and the license fees. The revenue is used to maintain this state liquor distribution system, and then revenue is distributed to cities, towns and state governments. A certain amount is dedicated to alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention. Passing the initiative would end this monopoly.

The voter’s pamphlet shows the breakdown of projected income based on certain assumptions and reaches the conclusion that the revenue to cities, towns and the state will substantially increase if the initiative passes. The pamphlet confirms that the initiative establishes controls on those businesses that do sell liquor, but prohibits the sale of liquor in gas stations and convenience stores. The initiative increases the penalties for selling to minors. The measure would close state operated liquor stores.

A telling aspect of this legislation is in the financing of media efforts. Liquor distributors do not want it passed. This is because they know they will make less money if it passes. One thing is certain; the liquor industry does not really care about the public and social effects of their product. What they do care about is profit. The initiative cuts into that profit and sends more of the money from liquor sales to state and local governments and dedicates the revenue for local police, fire and state resources. That alone is enough reason to support the initiative. I believe we should pass this initiative and get the state out of the liquor selling business. Liquor is involved in more than 50% of the criminal cases that come through the justice system. The local government bears the social costs of liquor abuse. It is fair to put more of the revenue from liquor sales back into government to offset those costs.

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