If you're going to give the state a monopoly on an industry, it ought to at least be cheaper
Washington is one of those states that has a Liquor Control Board that runs all of the stores allowed to sell hard liquor. I poked my head into one of these stores today, and was a touch irked to find that Hendrick's gin is 25% more expensive here than it is at the liquor store I frequented in Massachusetts. Since the price is set by the state, it will be the same no matter which store I go to. Apparently, the goal of giving the state a monopoly on liquor sales is to keep liquor prices high in order to discourage intemperance, and not just to give the state all liquor profits. What really bothers me about giving the state a monopoly, other than the paternalism involved, is the lack of competition and choice. Different locations may carry different selections, but there is a master list. If it's not on said list, there is no store in the state that will carry it. 18 year old Talisker, for example, is not on the list. Nor are a whole host of other Scotches that most places don't carry, but that I know I can find at Federal Wine & Spirits, because one of their specialties is unusual Scotches.