Becca's Research

Research question: What are the benefits and consequences of privatizing liquor sales?

Hypothesis: Privatization of liquor sales would save the state a ton of money while giving Utah adults better access to their booze. Consequences may include less regulation which may result in more sales to minors.

Start-up Research:
http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE32B/TITLE32B.htm Alcoholic Beverage Control Act
http://abc.utah.gov/ Dept of Alcoholic Beverage Control website
Research: DABC Review Committee
Research: Bonneville Research - researched and developed a business plan for DABC

What does the state spend on running liquor stores?
http://le.utah.gov/audit/10_bilr.pdf some budget information

How much does the state make from liquor sales now, and how would that change if privatized?
http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/blog-25-7039-booze-boss-delivers-sobering-news-on-dabc-privatization.html
http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/blog-25-6920-independent-dabc-committee-taps-a-keg-of-bar-owner-frustration.html earnings numbers
http://le.utah.gov/audit/10_bilr.pdf mark-up and earnings in 2009

Why not privatize?
http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/blog-25-7039-booze-boss-delivers-sobering-news-on-dabc-privatization.html "efficiencies" found mean it's not necessary

What have other states done with privatization?
http://le.utah.gov/audit/10_bilr.pdf info about 'control jurisdictions'

What regulation issues would come with it? Minors, drunk driver, etc
www.slcc.edu/video/fl/_bb/voices/CapitolVoicesOct26-2011.html Legislators emphasize that remaining a 'control state' would help minimize minors drinking, drunk driving, and addiction.

Would privatization be good for businesses?
http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/blog-25-6920-independent-dabc-committee-taps-a-keg-of-bar-owner-frustration.html no wholesale prices for businesses

What is public opinion about this?
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/opinion/article_88caef92-5425-5b2c-90cc-9e30833484f6.html

What's up with package agencies
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/opinion/article_88caef92-5425-5b2c-90cc-9e30833484f6.html Public opinion

Possible Interview Subjects:
Mike Waddoups - Senate President
Becky Lockhart - Speaker of the House
Francine Giani - DABC Interim director
John Valentine - Senator, sponsors liquor bills
Richard Sperry - DABC Commission Chairman
David Morris - Owner of Piper Down Pub
Ross Romero - Sen. DABC review committee
David Litvack - Rep. DABC review committee
Jonathan Springmeyer - consultant with Bonneville Research