Privatize liquor sales

Gov. Chris Gregoire has spoken about consolidating an estimated 50 schools – those which have less than 150 students. She also said, “It’s time for us to see a new path forward.”

Well, how about this new path forward: closing the state liquor stores and allowing grocery stores to handle hard liquor sales, as is the current mode of operation for two-thirds of the states in this country.

According to the Washington State Liquor Control Board Web site, there are 313 state liquor stores. For argument’s sake, let’s say there are three state employees per store, with the cost to the state of around $40,000 per employee (please factor in wages, benefits, Social Security, worker’s compensation, etc). This amounts to over $37.6 million per year.

Also, factor in lease rent and expenses of at least $1,500 per store for another $5.6 million per year. This totals at least $43 million of state expenses that could be handled by retail outlets.

Washington is one of only 17 states which still maintain control over the sale of distilled liquors. The state would still have the ability to influence pricing and collect revenue on alcohol, while saving millions of dollars on expenses.

Ben Kromm

Pullman