Liquor Change Hits Oldtown, Post Falls

With Washington gearing up to privatize its liquor sales by June, Idaho state officials are worried about losing sales at their state-run liquor stores along the Washington-Idaho border and have tabled plans for new state liquor stores in Oldtown and Post Falls. ”I think we will continue to remain competitive,” said Idaho State Liquor Division Director Jeff Anderson, “but we really don’t know.” Last year, Idaho’s liquor division distributed $50 million in profits to the state’s general fund, cities, counties and courts. For now, Anderson said, Idaho won’t add any new stores, and will instead try to “get more out of the stores we have.” At least 13 of Idaho’s state liquor stores are within 15 miles of the Idaho-Washington border /Betsy Russell , SR. More here. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

Question: Should Idaho privatize liquor sales, too?