Washington weighs in on liquor biz 1

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--> --> Washington weighs in on liquor biz The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin June 27 Initiatives should be used only as a last resort to address issues ignored by the Legislature. A recent effort by an Oregon man to get the state out of the liquor business passes this test. We hope his initiative reaches the ballot and makes its way into law. A similar initiative effort in Washington in 1999 failed to make the ballot. Oregon and Washington have spent years finding ways to increase profits from liquor sales. Since both states have a monopoly, they stand to benefit from any increase in consumption. On the other hand, the two states also wear the enforcement hat and preach moderation. What kind of sense does it make to have a government addicted to the cash flow from alcohol sales while at the same time spending millions of dollars to curb alcohol abuse and drunken driving? And there is money to be made. Last year, Oregon liquor sales amounted to $230 million, providing nearly $100 million to local governments and the state. Washington posts profits and taxes in the $250 million range. Washington collects more than $200,000 in profits each year just from selling beer and wine on the state ferries. Some people fear removing the state from liquor sales would result in spirits flooding supermarkets and convenience stores. They worry there will be increases in accidents involving drunken drivers. Consumption will not necessarily increase if liquor sales are privatized. And, with the state no longer trying directly to serve two masters, enforcement could be more focused. It remains to be seen whether Oregon will break away from the 18 states that assumed control for all hard liquor sales and policing regulations in 1933 after Prohibition ended. We don't object to controls on liquor sales. And we don't have any problem with states taxing the product. But we don't agree with the mixed message of states enforcing laws that may be broken because they were serving up sales promotions. You can do one or the other well, but not both. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing