I’ve devoted my career to law enforcement and public safety.
As a former U.S. marshal, captain with the Washington State Patrol and state legislator, I believe passionately in protecting our kids, keeping our communities safe and providing adequate resources for local law enforcement.
That’s why I strongly urge a yes vote on Initiative 1183 on the November ballot.
I-1183’s approach, which greatly improves upon last year’s liquor privatization measure, is a common-sense plan because it takes state government out of its current role of selling and promoting liquor and instead mandates that it focus solely on regulating liquor sales and enforcing liquor laws.
With passage of I-1183, Washington will join 42 other states in allowing consumers to purchase liquor at qualified, licensed grocery or retail stores.
Under I-1183, a store must have at least 10,000 square feet of fully enclosed retail space to be eligible for a license to sell liquor. This common-sense requirement represents good public policy by limiting liquor sales to medium- and large-size grocery and retail stores.
These stores have the equipment, technology and training systems in place to prevent sales to minors and ensure compliance with alcohol laws. The data show that large grocery stores have just as good a record as state liquor stores in preventing sales to minors.
Let’s be clear. I-1183 prevents liquor sales at gas stations, convenience stores and minimarts. Any claims by opponents that state otherwise are simply false.
In addition, I-1183 toughens liquor laws and provides new revenues for local law enforcement. I-1183 doubles fines and penalties for selling spirits to minors and mandates new employee training and compliance requirements for stores that are granted licenses to sell liquor.
Distributors and retailers who get licenses to sell liquor will pay a percentage of their sales as license fees. These fees will replace revenue that is currently generated by the state’s huge markups on liquor – most of which is currently wasted operating the costly and outdated government liquor store system.
By eliminating the costs of running the state liquor system and requiring businesses to pay reasonable license fees based on liquor sales, I-1183 will save taxpayers money and free up new revenues for vital public services.
In fact, according to estimates by the state Office of Financial Management, I-1183 will generate more than $400 million in new revenues for state and local government services over the next six years. A portion of these new revenues is specifically dedicated to increase funding for local public safety programs statewide.
It’s no surprise to me that firefighters, paramedics, police officers and other public safety officials have joined the coalition that supports I-1183, just as I have.
We all know that increased funding for law enforcement and tougher regulation are the keys to preventing sales to minors and keeping our communities safe – not a state government liquor store system.
Please join me in voting yes on I-1183.
Eric Robertson has served as a captain with the Washington State Patrol and as the U.S. marshal for Western Washington. A former member of the state House of Representatives from the 31st District, he currently serves as administrator for the Valley Regional Fire Authority.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.