LIQUOR INITIATIVES

Reader gives reasons to vote no

There are reasons why citizens should oppose I-1100 and I-1105.

My wife has been a contract store manager for 6 years and I am familiar with the operation. Under the current system, 72 percent of the price is fixed via cost from the distillery and state and federal taxes. The other 28 percent is markup that the state Liquor Control Board operates on. The state uses less than half of those dollars.

The rest goes to the counties and cities. Under each initiative, this would be eliminated. It would affect road maintenance and other essential services. The markup would become profit for the big box stores.

These initiatives give no consideration to how it will affect related businesses. The contract liquor store system will be put out of business. There are over 150 of them in our smaller communities. They are often a cornerstone business frequently operating other businesses from the same location. These initiatives would create another empty store front in struggling communities. No new jobs would be created.

The Washington Wine Institute says, "I-1100 came together without any input from our $4 billion industry and yet, if it passes, it will have immeasurable impact on our state's wineries. This new system will particularly disadvantage our smallest wineries."

Prices will likely be higher as distributors will be necessary for all but the big box stores and selection will suffer as most stores will only carry the fastest moving products.

There are concerns regarding having hard alcohol available at convenience stores. Minors will have an easier time obtaining alcohol.

These are just a few reasons not to support either initiative. I urge you to consider all the ramifications and vote no. This is a classic case of throwing the baby out with the bath water for big business profit.

Kevin Danby

Ephrata