Wednesday, May 19, 2010

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.