For many years, I have been against the State monopoly of liquor sales. Other states have allowed retailers to sell liquor for decades. It makes no sense for Washington State to focus on the sale of liquor with a 52-percent profit margin and say they are focusing on liquor control and protection. It is a true conflict of interest.

We don’t need the State spending money to run a monopoly when retailers can do it better and at less cost. Competition is not a strength or responsibility of the State of Washington.

I-1183 changes the State’s responsibility to emphasize liquor enforcement that has real teeth with doubling fines and penalties for selling liquor to minors. I-1183 also mandates new training and compliance requirements for stores. The new licensing fees are a percentage of sales but are about half of the State’s retail markup. The State liquor tax will be collected and returned to the State.

It’s time to update the State’s liquor laws, and I-1183 is the right way to get the job done. This is why I am supporting I-1183.

– Cliff Ridgway