It's all about the money. Both 1100 and 1105 take money away from Washington State. Big business sees the profit to be gained and that is all. If the initiatives pass (either one), the state will close its 350 liquor stores. But then 3,300 stores will be able to sell hard liquor. According to a January study by State Auditor Brian Sonntag, privatization could create as many as 3,300 retail outlets selling spirits statewide. That’s 10 times the current number of state liquor stores, and roughly equal to the number of state Starbucks and McDonald’s outlets combined. This probably means lower prices per bottle but what will the state do to recoup it's lost revenue? RAISE TAXES ACROSS THE BOARD FOR EVERYONE, that's what. It is disingenuous to say the state will only raise the alcohol tax. They are the highest in the nation already. Their solution will be to raise taxes on all citizens, not just the booze drinkers.
These “people’s initiatives” happen to be the brainchildren of three major corporations that have spent more than $3 million in the hope of reaping millions in booze sales. One, warehouse chain Costco, the world’s ninth-largest retailer, turned its 28 Washington stores into mini–political mercantiles, using employees to solicit customer signatures for I-1100 with come-ons to the effect of “Imagine if you had a case of Jack Daniels to go with that year’s supply of paper towels.”
There is nothing wrong with the liquor control in this state. About 65 percent of respondents to a recent King-5 survey said they trust the state rather than private stores to responsibly sell liquor. Anti-government foes would tell you that the state has no business with it. For the safety and protection of all its citizens, it has business to regulate it. Expanded availability will lead to more drunkenness, fights, theft etc. Hgher social costs and monetary costs await the state's citizens if either initiative is passed.
