Wineries, Fraternal Order of Police and Falwell all come out behind ABC privatization...

Gov. Bob McDonnell's ABC privatization plan is getting some support from different corners - the Virginia Wineries Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and Jerry Falwell Jr.

Here's the statement from the Virginia Wineries Association:

“ABC privatization will be good for the wine industry in Virginia. Because studies show that more wine is sold in stores which sell other alcohol products, privatizing ABC stores will benefit the dozens of vineyards and thousands of employees who work in the wine industry in Virginia. There is no reason why government stores should sell distilled spirits. The private sector is in a better position to more efficiently and effectively sell all types of alcohol products. We also support dedication of one-time revenue to transportation, which will help all businesses in Virginia including tourism and the wine industry.”

Here's the statement fron the Fraternal Order of Police: You might remember the name former state Sen. Marty Williams, R-Newport News.

The Fraternal Order of Police of Virginia (FOP of Virginia) wishes to announce that we do endorse Governor McDonnell’s efforts to privatize the ABC. This rational approach of alternative funding will provide much needed funds to help solve the state’s transportation problems. These transportation problems include making the state safer through better roads, safer bridges, and improved traffic control, all resulting in less accidents and better living for all of the citizens of the our state. We recognize that a good transportation system, just like a well paid and well trained law enforcement community, are the necessary elements to promote a peaceful and productive society. We applaud the Governor and support this effort to make Virginia a better place to live and work. Fraternally,

Marty Williams

State President,

Fraternal Order of Police of Virginia

Here's a link to a story about Falwell announcing his support for the plan. Here's a snippet.

Falwell said he felt the nation's founders never intended for government to meddle in the booze business, an enterprise Virginia took on with the repeal of Prohibition 76 years ago. He said ending the state's distilled spirits cartel will benefit families, churches and businesses.

Comments

[Rob Smith, III]

Starting bids for licenses start at roughly $100k. On top of that, small businesses and restaurants face a new tax if they want to buy directly from producers instead of wholesalers. As a consequence of that, distilleries face another surcharge for even the smallest of shipments. The new excise tax is also pretty intolerable. Privatization is a good idea but this proposal is a bad kick in the face to Virginia's businesses that ought to be given deference in this matter. Oppose the plan unless he changes these particulars.