Will states privatize liquor stores to balance their budgets?

WINE TALK
1

I hadn’t read about this possibility. Perhaps there’s hope for folks in Pennsylania yet:

Liquor-store privatization could be boon for Big Booze - MarketWatch" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2

Not much of a chance. The legislators care more about PAC money than the consumers or in balancing the budget.

3

A very good friend who is a State Senator has introduced a bill to do this in Virginia. A great idea that is long overdue.

4

Given the prices we pay in Oregon, where the stores are individually-owned but the state owns the inventory and sets the prices (which are at least 60% more (sometimes 100% more) than what they are in California if you’re buying either on sale at the supermarket or at Costco, I don’t see how privatizing the spirits biz accomplishes anything.

5

Bob,

The Virginia bill will privatize all stores and the State will not own any inventory. Due to competition the pricing will be significantly less even with the large liquor tax.

6

I don’t see it happening in NC. Profits from the stores stay in the town in which they are generated. We’ve actually had a small building boom as the smaller towns surrounding my metropolis build stores right up to our city limits to try and cannibalize patrons. Here’s one example: http://www.mountainx.com/blogwire/2009/woodfin_manager_predicts_weaverville_abc_store_wont_last" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I’ve got three good sized stores within in a few miles driving distance from my house. Good selection and pricing comparable to SC and GA’s privately run stores. There are even occasional special where items are less then in neighboring states (good deal on Plymouth gin last summer). While I’m fundamentally against the government running what should be a private business, the competition between competing ABC districts makes for good shopping.