In 2016, Oregon voters will have the chance to end the state's monopoly on liquor sales, that's been in place since the last days of Prohibition.

Currently, hard alcohol can only be found in state run stores, and is distributed from the state's warehouse in Milwaukee, OR.

Although gas stations would be off the list, the ballot measure would allow grocery stores to sell hard alcohol. It's basically the same idea as what was passed here a few years ago. Currently, the state keeps a percentage of the profits of alcohol sold in these state stores.

The Oregon Liquor Control board, realizing privatization might come about, has already permitted to try to open 17 more liquor stores in and around the Portland area, and are seeking people to run them.

According to the Walla Walla Union Bulletin:

"They (retailers) already know how to responsibly sell alcoholic beverages," said Pat McCormack, a spokesman for Oregonians for Competition, the group created to pursue the initiative. "Let's cut the state out of the business of selling liquor and increase its focus on alcohol law enforcement."

The bill would strengthen penalties for those who sell to minors, and spend additional money on enforcement.  But the way it differs from the Washington law is that if it passes, it would leave it up to the Oregon legislature to find another way to replace the nearly $250 million in revenue brought in from the state stores. It doesn't appear to allow the state to pass new taxes on the privatized alcohol, making it far cheaper for consumers.

In Washington, legislators and officials quickly slapped excessive new taxes on the retailer booze, making it nearly as expensive as it was in stores - virtually negating the positive effect privatization would have brought.

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