When I moved here from Anchorage 22 years ago, I thought how strange it was that you couldn’t purchase liquor on Sundays, holidays or (basically) after 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Now that I’ve lived in this state for many years, I’ve gotten used to those hours and would imagine most people who have been in this state for long have also.

When Initiative 1100 first came on board to privatize liquor sales, I thought, ‘Oh, this is great. Longer hours and we can actually go back to buying a good bottle of vodka now and then, as the price will come down.’

After putting more thought into this, I realize the convenience of longer hours and price cuts aren’t worth taking revenue that pays for services much needed during this economic crisis, including in Renton. I have to think that there will be a ton more liquor sold to go from 315 outlets to an estimated 3,300.

The state already has a great record controlling the sale of liquor to minors in its stores. I worry that sales to minors will become more widespread if liquor is more easily available in stores where security isn’t as strong. It only makes since that if it’s more accessible to adults, it’s more accessible to teens.

It seems to me that a compromise makes sense; how about the state reduces the liquor prices 20 percent, have more liquor stores open on Sundays and let the warehouse stores also sell it. Wholesale warehouse stores already have security in place and people who are concerned about pricing can purchase it there.

I sure hope that we won’t have to live with more underage kids and adults who will drink in excess, and then find ourselves in the position to have a smaller police force to go after those who drink and drive.

Renton Reporter Publisher Ellen Morrison can be reached at emorrison@rentonreporter.com.