"The changes announced today to the ABC privatization plan will help our smaller retail members obtain licenses by allowing them to pay over a three to five year period. During these times of tighter credit markets, this change demonstrates a sensitivity to small businesses and will allow them to more fully participate in this process. We also applaud changes that will help retail stores with less than 50 employees compete for licenses on a more level playing field.
VRMA has a long standing position that retailing should be left to retailers. Additionally, as we said in our initial statement of support, ABC stores should be privatized as a matter of principle because there is no compelling policy reason to distinguish sales of distilled spirits from other alcohol products."
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