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Want to Privatize Utah Liquor Sales? Beware What You Wish For, Study Warns
Utah is one of 16 states that have government-controlled liquor operations, but some forces there are pushing to privatize alcohol sales. Previously, a study by PHI’s Alcohol Research Group shows that in Washington State, after voters approved privatization they regretted their choice, and enough voters have changed their minds that privatization there would not pass if voting occurred today.
- Salt Lake Tribune
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Alcohol Research Group
Utah is one of 16 states to have government-controlled liquor operations. But some forces there want to eliminate the government’s role in liquor sales.
A previous study from PHI’s Alcohol Research Group sheds some light on another state’s experience with liquor privatization. The study found that in Washington state, residents who voted in favor of ending state controls on liquor sales were 2.59 times more likely to want to change their vote than residents who voted against it. The change was large enough that the measure would fail if voted on today.
Liquor prices in Washington increased by an average of 15% after privatization, and alcohol became more widely available, leading to fears of increased youth drinking.
“Based on the evidence … states considering privatization should think through the consequences of potentially increased prices and increased accessibility.” Meenakshi Sabina Subbaraman, director of statistical and data services, Alcohol Research Group.
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Originally published by Salt Lake Tribune
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