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Wash. wants you in the holiday ‘spirit’

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Print | 868 views by Colette Weeks on October 16, 2009

This just in...

The state Liquor Control Board has a strategy for offsetting the budget deficit. It’s opening special liquor gift shops in four different malls (but not ours) just in time for the holidays! Are we prepared to drink our way to prosperity? We’re word people here at Skagit Publishing, so in an effort to do our part, as good Americans and Washington citizens, we decided to offer some free ideas for the state’s marketing campaign.

Here’s what our newsroom came up with:

- Discouraged by the Lotto? Save the state by getting blotto!
- Lift a glass or 12 to the state's deficit
- Finally, a state service that all the political parties can enjoy.
- Gov. Chris Gregoire says: Just say drink
- Alcoholism: Now more convenient!
- Don't worry. DSHS can dry you out after the holidays
- Diamonds might last forever, but alcohol is good now

Pardon us for finding a little humor in the topic, but it’s the most fun we’ve had since Washington offered up its “Say WA” tourism slogan in 2006. Would you like to help? Post your ideas here.

Here’s the text of the press release (If you skip down to the bottom, you’ll see they’re seeking comments from customers):

Liquor Control Board to pilot holiday gift stores in four shopping malls
Stores open Nov. 1-Dec. 31

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) will open Liquor and Wine holiday gift stores in four Western Washington shopping malls this holiday season. The stores will be open from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31.

The WSLCB is running this pilot program for two reasons:
1. To generate $3.8 million in additional revenue during the 2009 and 2010 holiday seasons to help offset the state budget deficit; and
2. To determine customer interest in shopping at these gift locations during the holidays.

The holiday gift stores will carry spirit gift packages and a limited selection of spirits, wine, and spirits-based chocolates and eggnogs. The stores will be open seven days a week. Store hours will vary by location.

Mall locations
The WSLCB will open holiday gift stores at the following malls:
· Alderwood Mall, 3000 184th St. S.W. in Lynnwood
· Bellis Fair Mall, One Bellis Fair Parkway in Bellingham
· The Commons at Federal Way, 1928 S. Commons in Federal Way
· Pacific Place, 600 Pine Street in Seattle

This is the first time the WSLCB has opened holiday gift stores in shopping malls. The store sites were selected based on location, proximity to other liquor stores, cost and size.
Customers are invited to send comments about the holiday gift stores to .

More Information
More information about the stores is available on the WSLCB Web site at http://www.liq.wa.gov.

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7 comments

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Sally Ann

This is absurd. Yes, it will probably raise more money for the state, but at what cost? A joint or so of marijuana is just a horrible, horrible thing (read my sarcasm) but it’s perfectly OK to sell another, state-sanctioned, legal drug?
Here’s the deal. Marijuana does little to your reflexes, but your mind convinces you you’re too stoned to do more than watch bad movies, or cartoons, laugh hysterically, and pig out on oreos. You don’t want to go anywhere.
Alchohol totally ruins your reflexes and motor skills, but convinces your mind you’re “superman”. Falling down drunk just means you’ve reached the adequate level of drinking to need to sit down...preferably in a car.
What’s wrong with this picture!!??? It is sickening to think of the deaths, dismemberments, and tragedy associated with alchohol, while marijuana is considered a dreadful choice. Give me a joint anytime. Drunk can be deadly.

Jo Roark Ignore this member	October 16, 2009 - 09:09 PM \| Comment # 14608 \| Its to the advantage of the state to encourage drinking, there is a lot of money to be made off of drunk drivers and the sales of liquor.

Oldlady Ignore this member	October 18, 2009 - 03:41 PM \| Comment # 14787 \| Why? Are liquor sales down? Might find out there’s a fine line between taxing on “sins” & getting too greedy with the taxes generated..... Personally I never shop in malls anyways. This state just keeps on acting more stupid everyday!

ryanandjessie

Alcohol is so taboo! Perhaps we be adult about an adult substance, shall we? Enjoy an eggnog or two. But don’t drive around and act like a fool. Demonstrate a socially acceptable way to consume liquor and the herald need not attempt humor again.

Also, agreeably with Oldlady, shop locally and independently and you’ll avoid the terrible liquor invasion.

evilwman

evilwman's avatar

WOW.......I am sure the alcoholics will be real happy with 4 more places to buy/take what they need.
Seems the state now thinks drinking is a grand pastime—only because they need the money....hey! What about state controlled “drug” stores? I can’t even imagine the amount of dollars that would flow your way with a few of those stores. You could stay in the Christmas spirit by having Christmas Packs for sale...........you know....add a fancy, decorated bong to the drug package.
Once again our idiot leaders are making decisions for themselves - not for the citizens of this state.
It would be easier to follow CA liquor laws. All grocery stores and convenience stores (7/11, circle k, etc)have sold hard liquor for years. Seven days a week. Benefit: The stores are already here, just stock em and tadaaa....instant liquor store on almost every corner.

Oldlady Ignore this member	October 22, 2009 - 08:24 AM \| Comment # 15398 \| I’m curious how much rent will be paid for these “stores” in select malls? Won’t it be a long walk to take the purchase to the vehicle? Imagine hauling a case of champagne!

vega

This is evem more embarrasing than election administration. Hey! I know.....How about the state do some cooperative advertising through DSHS and CPS? In order to boost sales even more, the agencies could put a moritorium on requesting courts to mandate UA’s for the holiday season. Call it a “Take A Swig;Hit Your Kid” campaign.

The State Patrol could spread cheer too, by increasing legal blood alcohol levels to 1.2 from Thanksgiving through New Years.

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