Make consumer pay

Why should a government sell liquor? The use of alcoholic drinks impairs the mind and senses, yet people chose to consume it. Their choice inflicts terrific costs on themselves and others. These costs should be prepaid by the consumer when he chooses to buy the product and impair himself. This could be done by charging the consumer a percentage of the price of the product. (The percentage may need to be raised as this fund for the abused, injured and dead has need.) The state would collect from the seller each month, place it in a secure account and dispense it to those who are injured by the dreadful use of liquor. …

• Norman D. Smith, Spanish Fork