Bingo! The creeping evils of privatization, etc... Is it true the Ontario monopoly is the largest wholesale purchaser of liquor in the entire world?

Some Canadians are surprised to learn that 18 or 19 U.S. states also retain liquor monopolies, so-called Control States. Many states (and counties and cities) also have a variety of weird laws, including import restrictions for residents, although AFAIK one can buy at least beer and wine in supermarkets and/or private stores.

I've never entered a Washington State liquor store (we acquire hard liquor at the duty-free while visiting our Canadian relatives) so I have no idea how the prices compare, say, to the B.C. LCB.

As for wine and beer, however, there's no comparison as you undoubtedly know (at least between British Columbia and Washington State) and the new Trader Joe's in Bellingham WA means Two-Buck Chuck is now within your driving range.

Cheers,
Fredd