Each year, revenue earned through the sale and taxation of liquor is returned to the state and local communities. In fiscal year 2010, the WSLCB sent more than $370 million to state and local governments to fund state and local services.
Mercer Island received $286,114 in funds collected from liquor sales for the fiscal year 2010.
And there is more. The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) recently sent $104.7 million generated from liquor sales, taxes and fees to the State Treasurer’s Office to be distributed to the state and local communities. The distribution is for the third quarter distribution of fiscal year 2011, which ended March 31.
The state general fund money is used to fund state services, education and prevention, wine and grape research, and alcohol and drug abuse research. Cities and counties use the money to meet community needs, fund alcohol prevention and education programs, and support local law enforcement.
The funds come from seven sources:
• $58.9 million in spirit taxes (liter taxes and liquor sales taxes)
• $25.3 million in excess funds (non-dedicated revenue after expenses)
• $16.6 million in beer taxes
• $2.3 million in license fees
• $951,394 in wine taxes
• $643,575 in retail sales taxes
• $14,532 from tobacco violations
The WSLCB sends distributions at the end of each three-month quarter of the fiscal year. The WSLCB distributed $75.6 million in the first quarter that ended Sept. 30, 2010, and $104.76 million in the second quarter that ended Dec. 31, 2010. The fourth quarter will end June 30.
