Privatization of alcohol sales in Washington State

In November 2011, Washington voters approved Initiative 1183 which moves responsibility for sales and distribution of hard liquor from state control to private control. According to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, this makes Washington State the first state ever to totally privatize and de-regulate the sale and distribution of hard liquor.

One of the key provisions of I-1183 is that existing stores that are at least 10,000 square feet – about the size of most local grocery stores – will be able to sell hard liquor. Under 1183, retailers cannot begin selling hard liquor until June 1, 2012.

It is not yet known how many of these stores will actually choose to sell hard liquor. But the initiative could expand access to hard liquor in each Washington State community.

With regard to underage drinking, research has repeatedly demonstrated three points:

1. There is a close relationship between actual availability (the number of alcohol sales outlets) of alcohol in communities and higher underage drinking rates. (Hawkins and Catalano, 1992)
2. Further, underage drinkers only have to believe there is an increase in access in order for the higher underage drinking rates to occur. (Hawkins and Catalano, 1992)
3. Underage drinkers prefer to drink hard liquor – and specifically those brands of hard liquor that are popularly marketed on television and the internet. (National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 2010)

Nevertheless, the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) is preparing for the transition as directed by Initiative 1183.

WSLCB will post updates about the transition to private liquor sales and distribution at I-1183 Transition.