Washington State Liquor Stores
How about we chop the government middle-man out of liquor sales?
Let retailers handle this- 7 days a week. It has been done elsewhere.
The government version of retail management in Washington State prevents us from buying a bottle of booze at Safeway, Costco, Tom’s liquor, etc.
Most State operated stores are closed on Sundays and holidays- some of our state stores feature a 7:00 PM "last call" on Saturdays. If Monday is a federal holiday your next chance to shop would be sometime on Tues.
Tell Mr. major retailer that he must shut down at 7 PM on a Saturday- great way to create jobs, bring in revenue, jump start the economy, etc.
And what's up with not being able to buy a bottle on solemn holidays like July 4th, New years, Labor Day, Columbus Day, etc?
As it stands now- if you are traveling to an unfamiliar part of the state you may have to stop and ask for directions to the liquor store because it will often be located in some out of the way retail area- next to the vacuum cleaner repair shop or the auto battery recycling center. One stop shopping would be more green friendly.
Some states treat alcohol like just another adult retail product, with the understanding that in many cases alcohol abuse is already illegal. It is 2009 after-all.
The basic question is why have the government middleman involved at all in liquor sales? 49 other states have figured out how to handle this- pick one of the top 2 or 3 methods and go with it.
Peaceable, responsible, adult choices should be left to individuals to make.
Freedom is for everyone. Deciding how to act on that freedom should not require conformity to a “one size fits all” government mandate.
