KING5 story on initiatives for the privatization of liquor stores

See WASAVP's Jim Cooper in this KING5 story: Should the state get out of the business of selling liquor?

Supporting the Safe Drug Disposal Act

WASAVP recently joined many other organizations and individuals in signing a letter to Congressman Henry Waxman in support of H.R. 1191, the Safe Drug Disposal Act sponsored by Congressman Jay Inslee.

2010 Washington State initiatives affecting prevention

Following is a list of initiatives that may appear on November's ballot in Washington that WASAVP is keeping an eye on:

I-1068 concerning marijuana
I-1072 concerning lowering the drinking age to 19
I-1086 concerning ending the temporary excise tax on beer and strong beer

I-1087 concerning ending the temporary tax on certain carbonated beverages

I-1088 concerning reducing the tax on tobacco products
I-1090 concerning ending the temporary taxes on bottled water and carbonated beverages
I-1091 concerning ending the temporary taxes on bottled water, carbonated beverages, and beer
I-1092 concerning ending tax increases enacted in 2010 on beverages and candy
I-1093 concerning ending temporary taxes on selling certain carbonated beverages and beer
I-1099 concerning closing state liquor stores and allowing been and wine sellers and distributors to be licensed for spirits (privatize alcohol sales)
I-1100 concerning closing state liquor stores, privatize sale of spirits
I-1105 concerning reforming state liquor sales

WASAVP in the news . . .

May 25, 2010
The Olympian: Everyone needs to take a closer look at prescription drug abuse

Liquor store privatization initiatives

Up to three initiatives that concern the privatization of liquor sales in Washington may appear on November's ballot. If approved, the initiatives would have a significant negative effect on underage drinking prevention efforts in our state.

Here are a few talking points about why state-run liquor stores help prevent underage drinking:

The Washington State Liquor Control Board's 94% no-sales-to-minors compliance rate is the highest in the nation. The private-sector compliance rate for alcohol sales is much lower, with rates ranging from 76%-84%.

States with retail monopolies have a lower prevalence of drinking and binge drinking among people between 12 and 25 years old.

Because state-run stores are state property, states can more easily regulate the on-site marketing of alcoholic beverages.

Join WASAVP today and support efforts to maintain liquor control as one tool we have to prevent underage drinking.