How can we afford alcohol consumers more choice and lower prices and brewers and retailers a fairer environment for production and distribution?
Summary
- The ABC system’s goal is to maximize revenue. Instead, it limits revenue by restricting sales. It stifles industry growth and job creation that could bring in more revenue.
- Local ABC boards decide how many stores to operate and what to sell. This reduces consumer choice. Local distillers cannot sell a product without a local board’s approval. But there are no standard rules for approval.
- More outlet stores and more product variety would increase liquor sales revenue about 20 percent. And it would give consumers more choice.
Free consumers and distillers from oppressive government control
North Carolina’s Alcohol and Beverage Control System is unfair and outdated. It’s a perfect example of things government does for no good reason. Free and responsible adults should be free to decide how and where they buy and use alcoholic beverages. Beverage suppliers shouldn’t be limited in the ways they can meet their customer’s preferences.
The 100-year old ABC System punishes sensible consumers. It suffocates small and growing businesses. It rewards politically powerful special interests. And it fails to achieve its goals.
Alcohol control limits choices, stifles competition, and reduces job creation
North Carolina is one of the few states to control liquor distribution and sales completely. The goal is to maximize revenues and minimize choice and competition, two opposite ends. Only 38 percent of ABC profits go to government. The limited number of stores, operating hours, and product choice also reduces revenue.
End the government monopoly on liquor
Government has no business selling any product or service the private sector can provide. Especially if the free market can do so more effectively and efficiently. Other states do just fine without government liquor stores.
There’s no evidence supporting assertions the state liquor monopoly prevents underage drinking or alcohol abuse.
The claim that government would lose revenue is also unfounded. Only seven percent of liquor sales profits go to local government. State government revenue from liquor sales is already built into taxes and surcharges under state law.
Just the opposite. Free market liquor sales would increase government revenue through surcharges, licensing fees, and sales taxes.
Consumers, distillers, private retailers, future entrepreneurs, local job-seekers, and local communities would all benefit from freeing North Carolina’s liquor industry from senseless, ineffective regulation.
Real, Practical, Effective Solutions to End the Government Monopoly on Liquor Sales
- Dissolve the ABC Boards, and sell all ABC stores and warehouses. Let private businesses manufacture, distribute and sell liquor under state license, as with beer and wine.
- Abolish the ABC Commission’s approved products list. Let distillers and private retailers decide what they make and sell.
- End anti-competitive restrictions and over-regulation of the alcohol industry. If a practice is allowed in most states, don’t prohibit it in North Carolina.