The Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) launched its first online auction of confiscated alcohol on Wednesday. While selling vintage spirits is better than pouring them down the drain, the state shouldn't use the proceeds to fund a private corporation.
The Kentucky ABC was granted the power to dispose of its inventory via public auction under House Bill 439, which Gov. Andy Beshear (D–Ky.) signed into law in April. All money raised by the public auction is donated to the Alcohol Wellness and Responsibility Education Fund, which provides "educational information and materials that deter or eliminate underage drinking" to Kentucky high schools, colleges, and universities. The fund also raises revenue by collecting one percent of the excise tax on malt beverages and one percent of the wholesale tax on malt beverages and microbreweries.
