The big argument for I-1183 is that the state funds liquor stores, clerks and pays for their benefits. That is just not so. The claim that we will save the cost of running state liquor stores has absolutely no merit. The state runs those stores at a profit or they would not stay in this business anyway. Do you think they run those stores just so we can have a place to buy booze? Where do you think the state gets that profit? One hundred percent of the profit comes from those who buy the liquor.
State liquor stores pay for themselves as well as employing many people in the stores and other facets of the business and generate profit for the state coffers.
If we pass 1183 we change that situation in one very substantial way. Private stores that sell liquor will make that profit and fat cats who own them will keep it. Not one red cent more will find its way into the state general fund to pay for anything. If you think the extra tax will pay that, it won’t. The stores will just jack up the price to compensate and we pay that too.
The large stores who will sell liquor will not need to employ any more people. No additional floor space, no new employees. If you shop at Costco you know that they don’t always have the same things on sale all of the time. They seasonally sell what sells the most, and liquor is never out of season.
And then all of the current liquor store clerks will then be unemployed and collect unemployment insurance on our tab.
Do the math. You’ll vote no on 1183.
Tony Campbell
Marysville
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