Why is the Liquor Control Board actively involved in the sale and distribution of alcohol and cigarettes? It seems that despite the original intent back in 1933, when the Steele Act allowed for the creation of the board to set tough standards during the post-prohibition era, the LCB has emerged as a government owned monopoly that appears to be more concerned about profit than the health of our citizens.
The LCB has more than 316 stores and hundreds of employees selling liquor and tobacco products. In the history and overview video on the LCB’s Web site, the narrator boasts of raising more than $140 million in profit annually. Also pointed out was that the taxes on most alcohol products are typically more than three times the cost of the product. Every bottle of liquor must go through the state’s distribution point, adding to the operating cost that the consumer pays.
I think there is a legitimate reason for the existence of the LCB, but I do not think that reason is to sell liquor for profit. The LCB should discourage use, not promote it. It’s time for the state to end the monopoly on liquor sales and concentrate on enforcement and education. I’m not sure if the prevention measures have been effective because we have not seen a noticeable decline in teen smoking, drinking or drunk driving related fatalities. Now they plan to cut funding for the prevention programs to save money.
Only 18 states still have LCBs. Turning the sale and distribution process over to the private sector will create new job opportunities and consequently more tax revenues. Having the LCB urge you not to drink is like having the having the state lottery commission tell you that you should not gamble. It’s not about you. It’s about getting your money!
Everett
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