States in Budget Trouble Turn to the Bottle

Several financially strapped states with with strict alcohol controls are considering saving money by privatizing the regulation and sales of booze, beer and wine.

The states say they could raise revenue by selling distribution centers and auctioning liquor licenses to private companies, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Virginia, North Carolina, Washington, Vermont and Mississippi are all looking at proposals that would loosen control of distributorships or retail stores.

As ways to boost revenue, Colorado now allows spirits to be sold seven days a week instead of six, and Pennsylvania will soon permit liquor sales at automated kiosks inside grocery stores.

Moves toward privatization are opposed by religious groups, labor unions and independent liquor stores, the Journal reported.