Thursday, July 19, 2012
It didn't take long to confirm that I-1183, last year's successful ballot measure to privatize state liquor sales, would raise prices for consumers. In fact, we crunched the numbers (shown above) in early June, just days after local grocers began selling booze.
But now there's evidence that Washington's I-1183 is forcing people across state lines to find more affordable liquor. The Associated Press writes that Oregon liquor sales along the Washington's border increased by 35 percent in June, the month the new law took effect. Statewide during that time, prices have gone up just 12 percent, according to the AP story. While no one tracks where buyers live, the story notes that Oregon liquor store owners along the border are confirming their new Washington clientele.
Score one for the Beaver state.