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Virginia's alcohol consumption: Sobering Date published: 11/15/2009
The recent articles about privatizing liquor sales and restaurants' concern over losing sales of liquor under some circumstances prompted me to look up the liquor consumption figures for Virginia and certain other states ["Privatize ABC stores? As ideas go, rotgut," Oct. 24].
I submit the following: Virginia is a so-called "control state," and, along with 17 other states, reports liquor sales from state stores. About 25 percent of the U.S. population lives in these 18 control states. No state keeps better records than Virginia. Here's a brief summary of 2007 gallon sales with an estimate of a per capita rate. Spirits: 8,756,737 Wine and beer: 176,681,412 Total: 185,438,149 Population: 8,000,000 Per capita (includes men, women, and children): 23 gallons The numbers were so high that I called the state ABC Board to verify that I was correctly reading the figures as millions of gallons. The answer was a terse "yes," followed by silence. The other control states usually report only spirits gallon sales, which were at the 1 gallon per capita level, except for Michigan, which was 1.5. Even conservative Utah reported significant consumption: 2 gallons per capita for spirits, wine, and strong beer for 2007. I wonder if the ratio of beer to spirits consumption--10 beer to 1 spirits--holds for the control states other than Virginia. If liquor sales were privatized, we would lose the ability to determine the gallon sales rate (read consumption rate). Even when published, the figures are rarely mentioned in the press and appear to be lost in the noise of state statistical data. James K. Syverson Fredericksburg
I forgot to mention, with regards to nursing homes, you're probably referring to homes that accept Medicaid. All homes are regulated by the state regardless of whether they only accept private pay (no medicaid) or not. And my grandfather was at a private pay only facility-Heartfield's in Stafford. He was in the Alzheimer's unit for a year and a half and they took WONDERFUL care of him. Govt run facilities couldn't even compare-I would know, I've had to deal with VA hospitals-what a nightmare!
revenue for the state than the meager profits that the state currently makes in the retail liquor business. If Gov McDonnell sells the liquor stores when he takes office, it most certainly will not result in higher taxes, except maybe an increased tax on liquor sales since the state is no longer selling liquor. Chances are the consumer will pay less, because of competition. Washington DC is an example of that-I never buy liquor in VA-it's cheaper in DC at the private stores!
But tell me Peachesmom, where are these govt nursing homes? All of the nursing homes in this area ARE run by private companies. They're regulated by the state, but private companies own and operate them. Which is what I propose with alcohol sales, the state regulates alcohol (you have to be 21), but it doesn't SELL liquor. The state can ensure adequate controls without running the business and fixing prices. Private liquor stores can operate cheaper at more locations and probably generate more tax
The private sector can hurt us. Take private nursing homes would you put your loved one in one? Not me lack of regulations they pretty much do as they please. Even the government ones leave a bit to be desired. Brandon you want the governments nose out of what you buy? It is pretty much you are 21 you can buy what alcohol you want they don't count your bottles now do they? Empty houses they DO monitor tobacco and guns. Private sector? higher taxes to pay for those roads, schools, fire/ems get it?
These costs inclue salaries and state benefits for store employees (which are very expensive) and pension costs for all the liquor store clerks that retire with a full state pension every year. Not to mention that the state can always raise sales taxes on liquor in private stores. Between honest accounting and if necessary, taxing sales, the financial situation can be improved. And private liquor stores can operate better and cheaper. Privatization makes sense and keeps big brother at bay.
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