OLYMPIA – A new bill introduced by Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, would allow the privatization of the 161 state-run liquor stores, creating hundreds of private-sector jobs in this time of economic uncertainty.

“Privatizing liquor just makes sense in today’s economic times,” Sheldon said. “People are used to shopping in other states and going into a regular retail store for their alcohol. It doesn’t cause any more consumption or abuse of alcohol.”

Senate Bill 5729 would shift control of liquor stores to private industry, instead of the current system where the state Liquor Control Board manages liquor sales in 161 stores across Washington.

With 173 private stores already operating under contracts with the state, privatizing the entire liquor industry would put Washington in line with 32 other states in which the private sector handles liquor sales.

“Right now we bring our liquor in from out of state; we mark it up 45%, and add the taxes. That’s a tremendous profit center for the state of Washington. But why shouldn’t it be a job opportunity for the private sector for the private sector as well?” said Sheldon.

SB 5729 currently awaits action in the Senate Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee.

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For more information: Chase Gallagher, 360-786-7326

For interviews: Sen. Tim Sheldon, 360-786-7668