SEATTLE—
Loading up on liquor for next year's Super Bowl Party could be a lot easier if the state allows commercial retailers to start selling liquor. The state is considering another proposal to get out of the booze business. That means you'd find your vodka and tequila alongside wine and beer at grocery stores and mini-marts.Jason Williams was on his way to buy liquor at a state store on Sunday but was frustrated to find out it was already closed. "It doesn't make sense to me that the government is selling liquor, it's a product." Williams said.
The state would save money on the costs of running the stores, including laying-off 800 employees. Proponents of the bill say it's better to lay off those workers than teachers or firefighters. Seattle resident Tom Kirkman agrees, "To think someone can make a career working for the state and wind up with a pension selling booze is ridiculous to me."
Governor Chris Gregoire is among the very vocal group that's against this. Some say it will mean easier access to alcohol for minors. Critics also point out it won't solve our immediate budget deficit, since the savings wouldn't kick-in for a couple of years.
State Senator Rodney Tom proposed the bill and said money will still be an issue in the future. "I'm looking at the budget as a 3-5 year budget and so we need to be making those cuts even though the savings wont come until those out years" Tom said.
Most people believe it will generate more money for the state. Tom says it's not just about bringing in dollars "even if it wasn't more money, we need to get out of those functions of government we shouldn't be in and the retail business is one of those."
Washington is not the only state considering a change. Right now, alcohol brings in $320 million dollars each year but a state auditor report says that could go up another $277 million in the next five years if they change how they do business.
