Why do we need A.B.C. Stores? You can buy beer and wine at most any store. Why do we need the government to sell booze?

Is this another three letter organization we need to eliminate from government control?

I think a few states may have those, but I've never seen one.

Quote from: Solar on January 15, 2025, 03:50:20 AMI think a few states may have those, but I've never seen one.

The laws are different in each state. I have lived in GA, MS and NC and here is just some examples:

GA: Everything is private. Beer and wine sold in Liquor stores.

MS: The state is the wholesaler of liquor to private retailers. Liquor store sell wine, but not beer.

NC: ABC stores are owned by local government entities. No beer or wine sold in ABC stores.

Quote from: supsalemgr on January 15, 2025, 04:56:57 AMThe laws are different in each state. I have lived in GA, MS and NC and here is just some examples:

GA: Everything is private. Beer and wine sold in Liquor stores.

MS: The state is the wholesaler of liquor to private retailers. Liquor store sell wine, but not beer.

NC: ABC stores are owned by local government entities. No beer or wine sold in ABC stores.

SC: Beer and Wine sold in grocery/convenience/gas station stores. Liquor sold in ABC stores as well as licensed Liquor stores (Greens, for example), but beer/wine and liquor are in segregated parts of the store and you must buy them separately...

So, is there any reason why we need government involvement on selling booze?

If I can go to Walmart and buy beer, wine, and cigarettes, what makes buying/selling booze so different?

Quote from: Sick Of Silence on January 15, 2025, 09:48:23 AMSo, is there any reason why we need government involvement on selling booze?

If I can go to Walmart and buy beer, wine, and cigarettes, what makes buying/selling booze so different?

Once upon a time, liquor laws were supposed to be a reflection of the local community. Growing up there were several counties, towns, etc. that were dry, no sales. It took the citizens to vote to go wet. Usually did not pass on the first try. I can still remember when liquor stores were closed on election day. Didn't help. I was surprised when I was up north, Wisconsin or Michigan, that the local grocery stores sold liquor, no such thing as a liquor store.

But just a quick response to your question, and I agree with you, what is left to buy out there that the government is not involved with? 

The answer to why government are involved is simple: It is a profitable enterprise!

Here is another thing:
A bar/grill/restaurant buys alcohol from a supplier; probably has to pay tax on it. The establishment has to pay a tax for consumption (the act of putting a little bit of it in a glass with cola). Then, the consumer has to pay tax on the drink price at this establishment.

Three different taxes just to have your cocktail with your meal at Ruby Tuesday!

Quote from: Sick Of Silence on April 20, 2025, 10:58:06 AMHere is another thing:
A bar/grill/restaurant buys alcohol from a supplier; probably has to pay tax on it. The establishment has to pay a tax for consumption (the act of putting a little bit of it in a glass with cola). Then, the consumer has to pay tax on the drink price at this establishment.

Three different taxes just to have your cocktail with your meal at Ruby Tuesday!

I'm going to guess each state is  different, but in Texas the final destination pays the sales tax. Meaning the consumer.

Quote from: Sick Of Silence on April 20, 2025, 10:58:06 AMHere is another thing:
A bar/grill/restaurant buys alcohol from a supplier; probably has to pay tax on it. The establishment has to pay a tax for consumption (the act of putting a little bit of it in a glass with cola). Then, the consumer has to pay tax on the drink price at this establishment.

Three different taxes just to have your cocktail with your meal at Ruby Tuesday!

Nah, the establishment pays for a liquor license, a racket by the Govt.
Everything that the establishment is taxed, is passed onto the end consumer.

It is simple. The alcohol business is a cash cow for governments.

Quote from: supsalemgr on April 21, 2025, 04:47:44 AMIt is simple. The alcohol business is a cash cow for governments.

Yep, just like Tobacco. The govt has never cared about the health of the people unless it can exploit them.
They proved that with the COVID JABB. They can tax us, or kill us, but health was never a part of the plan.