Controlling the bottle

Photo by: Billie Grace Ward

Buying your first bottle of liquor, an unspoken accomplishment of adulthood. Turning 21, especially in a state that controls the sale of alcohol means taking a trip to your local ABC store; A certified liquor store, ran by the government to control the sale of alcohol. All funds you use inside one of these stores goes directly to the state, which at first glance means nothing. However, this is a hidden evil as Virginia is notorious for keeping their monopoly on liquor tightly held. Over a course of 76 years Virginia has a made remarkable profit over this monopoly. According to the 2015 annual report the total profit made from alcohol was $400 million about $10 million more since 2014.

Most of these profits come form state taxes that go onto the liquor and manufacturer. Virginia’s monopoly over liquor is a steady source of income as it draws in around $300 to $400 million dollars every year. The money is good for the state as it funds numerous projects but having a monopoly over the whole process restricts more than just where to buy a drink. The prices of alcohol have rose over the years with the most recent raise being in 2014. The steady increases in prices of alcohol and little over watch puts the economy in a bind.

Without enough government over-watch over the board that regulated the sale of alcohol, certain issues start to arise. Starting with the board itself, the member’s require no minimal qualifications, has political favoritism, and acts more of an agency than a regulatory committee. These issue then become

1. higher prices for alcohol
2. fewer choices and store choice
3. poorly regulated substance

Alcohol is an addictive substance and letting the board run freely can not only hurt communities, but the state as a whole. As a voting citizen we are entitled to a fairly governed government. Your voice only is important in solving this already failing system. Even now the board is under the microscope as bill is set to hit the floor this year. The bill would recreate the board, adding qualifications and treating committee more like a business. This in return would mean over-water over the whole process, cheaper prices, and better choices. It would be free to hire employees at will and would make it much easier to hire qualified people to a position. Alcohol can be a serious issue if not looked at, this is why people need to voice their votes, before the bill is shot down.