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Should Liquor Be Sold by States?

photo of liquor store
Joe Shlabotnik
/
Flickr/Creative Commons

New Hampshire is one of just eighteen states where the government controls the sale of alcohol; an arrangement from the Prohibition era.  Now, several of these states are re-assessing this set-up, wondering whether it’s outdated.  But others have argued for sticking with the control system, saying it’s better for public safety and for state finances.

Pamela Erickson, CEO of Public Action Management. She advocates for alcohol regulatory systems via the education campaign for a “Healthy Alcohol Marketplace.” From 1996 to 2003, she directed the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.  In 2003, she joined Oregon Partnership to address the issue of underage drinking.  She has worked with over 10 states on alcohol issues and provides a major source of educational materials on alcohol regulation at www.healthyalcoholmarket.com.  Joins us from Scottsdale, Arizona.

Leonard Gilroy, Director of Government Reform for the Reason Foundation, a nonprofit think tank advancing free market initiatives. Gilroy’s research focuses on such issues as privatization, government reform, and fiscal policy issues. Joins us from Fountain Hills, Arizona.

We'll also hear from:

Melissa Maynard: covers state management and labor unions for Stateline,the nonprofit news service of the Pew Center on the States.

John Dumais: president and CEO of theNew Hampshire Grocers Association.

Mark Bodi: a member of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission

 

 

 

Laura is well known in New Hampshire for her in-depth coverage of important issues and is widely regarded for her interviews with presidential hopefuls. Laura is a graduate of Keene High School in New Hampshire. Prior to hosting The Exchange, Laura worked in public radio in Washington, D.C. as a local reporter and announcer for WAMU and as a newscaster for NPR. Before her radio career, she was a researcher for USA Today's "Money" section, and a research assistant at the Institute for International Economics. Laura occasionally guest hosts national programs such as The Diane Rehm Show and Here and Now. In 2007 Laura was named New Hampshire Broadcaster of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters.
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