Effects of Sale of Liquor by the Drink in the State of Washington

Abstract

As the result of a close referendum in 1948 the policy of permitting sales of liquor by the drink in restaurants was adopted in the State of Washington. In the ensuing 6_year period the per capita consumption of distilled spirits in the state declined slightly. At the same time there was a substantial rise in per capita income and a slight rise in the consumption of beer. There was no substantial change in arrests for drunkenness in the three largest cities in the state. There was a decline in the percentage of drinking or drunken drivers involved in accidents, while the proportion of fatalities in traffic accidents involving drivers who had been drinking rose. There does not appear to be any reason to assume that the legalization of liquor by the drink has reduced problems related to the consumption of alcohol. The indications are, however, that when such a law contains conservative provisions and is administered rigorously, the easier access to distilled spirits does not increase the desire for or the consumption of alcoholic beverages.