Top Wash. cops asking liquor sellers for better theft figures
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SEATTLE -- Liquor privatization has made it easier for customers to buy alcohol in Washington, but it's also made it easier for thieves to steal booze.
Liquor theft has plagued retailers since the new law went into effect in June, and now the state's top cops are asking store owners to keep better tabs on exactly how much booze is being stolen.
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs recently sent a letter to the Liquor Control Board asking for more information about liquor theft. The association says with more accurate information they can do more to help stem the problem.
"Info is power, and the more info we have the more knowledge we have of ways to attack the problem," said Sgt. Cindi West of the King County sheriff's office.
On Wednesday, the Liquor Control Board will begin collecting public comment on a proposed rule to require retailers to report their theft numbers to the state, but not everyone in the industry thinks that's such good idea.
Wine and Spirit World owner David LeClaire is worried the proposed rule would add more costly paperwork and possibly make stores even more vulnerable to theft.
"They're saying we want to know, but the stores don't want everybody to know, because then they think they're just going to be an easier target to hit," LeClaire said.
Police say they just want to know exactly how big the problem really is. They're especially worried about underage drinking and a potential black market of stolen liquor, which could cut into the state's share of taxes.
Everyone admits there's a problem, but some sellers aren't convinced the proposed rule will help.
"Everything always sounds good on paper until you try to apply it," LeClaire said.
Representatives from several large grocery store chains refused to comment on the story. The Liquor Control Board is scheduled to vote on whatever rule it comes up with in early March.
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Patiently awaiting Zechariah's positive contribution to this story...
"a potential black market of stolen liquor, which could cut into the state's share of taxes." So the white elephant rears its head; The fact that the police state is nothing more than a revenue collection and tax compliance armed group.
 @FrankCastle Every state that taxes the sale of an item has a black market issue with that item. Cigarettes and Booze have been black marketed in the south east for a very long time.
Privatization fails to be a panacea again! Higher Costs, More theft, more kids buying booze. How's that California model working for ya?
@ShallowEnder Maybe the state would kindly supply the theft statistics from their liquor stores in previous years.
 @Nathan James  @ShallowEnderÂ
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They did in a "loss" statement each year detailing all of the losses the state suffered for various things including theft, natural disasters and accidents.
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No one cared though how much money was lost to shoplifters in government run liquor stores.
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I am actually not sure why the state cares right now. Black market runs much better with underground supply than a few bottles stolen here or there. You make you money on supply in the underground and there is no way to supply enough booze in just a few bottle thefts.
 @ShallowEnder What California model? Washington's system works nothing like CA (or AZ, other states that allow alcohol to be freely sold). How's the model where big government acts like a nanny and treats you like a baby and where it makes big money off of your choices?Â
 @NWGuy Let's see. Higher taxes since privatization has increased revenue for the state; state is making bigger money now then before. There are now triple the number of outlets for booze, with almost 2900 additional applications pending; that's the CA/AZ booze outlet on every corner model.
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Nothing prevented you from buying before, so how has the "nanny state" be changed in any way?
Maybe the state should charge the retailer the taxes on stolen bottles of booze. my store made it easy to steal they put the booze on the door isle were they can grab and dash instead of a center isle that dead ends in front of the check out stands. Don't know why the state didn't require a separate area with it's own cash register. my guess is they want private sale to fail so they can take it back.
". . . which could cut into the state's share of taxes."
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And right there is the bottom line reason for this rather logical request. Â Good luck, WSLEA!