Two concerned business leaders are calling for the state of Washington to get out of the liquor-outlet business. They cite several reasons, including a state study that shows privatizing liquor sales would result in as much as $244 million in revenue
To save money and end an inherent conflict of interest, the state of Washington should get out of the liquor-retailing business, according to two business leaders in an op-ed column.
Ken Oplinger, who is President/CEO of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Tom Pierson, CEO of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, co-authored a thoughtful op-ed column in a Tacoma newspaper, The News Tribune, Sunday, March 14, 2010.
Their collaboration is entitled, "Need Revenue? Sell Our Liquor Stores."
Their column cites a host of factors: "A government’s priorities can best be measured by where it spends its money," wrote the authors. "This year, Washington State will spend more than $117 million marketing and selling alcohol."
However, they point out the state’s mass-selling of liquor conflicts with the mission statement of the Washington State Liquor Control Board to educate the public about liquor consumption and to enforce liquor laws.
The chamber executives point out that many Washingtonians – businesses and workers – have been forced
to cut back in their budgets. But they are worried about the spiraling levels of state-government spending and the prospect of tax increases.
For their entire analysis, see: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/03/14/1108982/privatizing-liquor-sales-will.html
The Web address for the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry: http://www.bellingham.com
To visit the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce online: http://www.federalwaychamber.com
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Category Business, Government, Finance
Tags liquor control, government spending, chamber of commerce, state budget, Business
