Virginia’s inner struggle to get off the scotch tax – The Post
Since the end of prohibition the only way to buy liquor in the Commonwealth of Virginia has been through the state. Ultimately, state-run liquor stores are historical accidents and Gov. Bob McDonnell wants the industry privatized. Great idea, right? The problem is doing so would eliminate an enormous financial windfall for Virginia. The challenge before the governor is to make sure that similar revenues can be realized without state control. Privately run liquor stores would almost certainly have a wider selection and would potentially dissuade people like me from crossing borders to buy alcohol. Granted, I do so mainly to support my friend Joe Riley (and because I can almost always buy a case of Schweppes tonic water), but in the past I used to stock up at State Line Liquors in Elkton, Md. on trips to and from New Jersey.

It will be interesting to see if they can make it work.

The Post also has an interesting graphic on How Virginia Drinks.

Interestingly enough, taxes on alcohol were one of the highest sources of U.S. tax revenue prior to the Civil War.