The only answer to why the State of Idaho remains in the Liquor business is "temperance" and an obscure part of the constitution requiring "temperance". Many states have figured out it is a cost savings to download all the issues involved with retail sales of hard spirits to retailers willing to take on the task and make a profit in the process. Sell the distributors the tax stamps and let them deal with it.
If the State of Idaho got out of the business they could eliminate the warehousing, storage and distribution along with the labor involved it attaching tax stamps to each bottle. They could get rid of all the store real estate leases, labor, transportation and internal loss issues if this went to the liquor distribution people directly. They do all this in other states, why not Idaho?
Legislators this year are looking to save some money, here is a very easy one to consider and implement. Most of us know we can go to Costco, Albertson's, and other retail stores in other states and buy bottled spirits while we do our grocery shopping etc. Idaho and some of the more conservative thinking states continue to try and believe if they control the sales points for booze they control consumption. They want to force the mores and beliefs in temperance on all of us who enjoy the stuff once in a while. We don't think Idaho's per capita of alcoholic problems is any different than most places in the United States. Liquor Dispensaries are not having any impact on "temperance".
Time to rethink the notion of a State Liquor Dispensary. The name doesn't even sound right. They are Liquor Stores and the State does not need to be in the retail business. Set a minimum price for the stuff and close up shop on this blue law enterprise.
Very True. I hope the newspapers pick up on this idea...but more importantly, I hope the lawmakers take action!
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