One Face Of Liquor Privatization

Statewide, the passage of Initiative 1183 means the privatization of liquor sales, and the initial loss of more than 900 jobs.

Take a closer look, and 1183’s effects will show in Renton’s people and places.

Michaela Sweet, a 2004 graduate of Renton High School and a Renton resident, will feel it. She’s worked at a state-owned liquor store in Seattle  since June 2007 and remembers the first time liquor privatization appeared on the ballot.

It’s didn’t succeed the first time, and she didn’t expect it to succeed the second time, either.

Now, the passage of I-1183 means the loss of Sweet’s pay and benefits, but for some of her co-workers, the change may be more life-altering.

Twelve of her 14 coworkers are over the age of 35 and half are over the age of 40, she said.

“There hasn’t been a whole lot of options,” she said, noting that many of the other employees have worked at the store much longer than she has.

The change actually worked out well for Sweet, 26, who didn’t plan to work in a liquor store forever.

“Honestly, I just enrolled in school and will start in winter quarter,” she said. “I’ll probably collect unemployment, but I’ll need to figure out my health benefits.”

While Sweet is studying to be an accountant, many of her older coworkers will be looking for work.

“There’s been a lot of negativity and apprehension as to what is going to happen,” she said.

She’s received an email from the union representative that announced a conference where liquor store employees will be able to ask questions about the transition.

There may be one silver lining to the dark cloud hanging over the liquor store union members, and that is their union coincides with the same union that oversees clerks for QFC grocery stores. That tie may lead to employment for some state liquor store employees at the supermarket, although that’s yet to be seen, Sweet said.

“The only thing that I know for sure is that the stores will transition on May 31,” she said.

Renton’s Community and Economic Development Department is already talking with the Liquor Control Board to ensure a smooth transition, said Economic Development Director Suzanne Dale Estey.

“We will also work with property owners to better understand what their plans will be if any of the liquor stores based in Renton are to close,” she said. “My understanding is there still are possibilities that some or perhaps all of the stores will remain open as privately run liquor/specialty