Layoff of Liquor Board Agents

I am appalled by the planned cuts into one of the few state organizations that produce revenues for the state coffers: the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“State Plans to Lay Off 75% of Liquor Board Agents,” front page, Oct. 3).

Millions of dollars generated yearly by this fine agency are funneled into other, often money-losing projects. Trimming the one money-making department to support the losers is tantamount to shooting oneself in the leg in order to win a footrace!

The planned 75% reduction of personnel will undoubtedly result in impossible delays to applicants for new alcoholic licenses and ownership transfers, not to mention the rise in violations by careless licensees, who will be unchecked without the present enforcement staff. The nightmare of increased drunk-driving violations, sales to minors, etc., will become a grim reality.

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control produces over $34 million for the state from fees collected as well as fines.

We can only hope Gov. Pete Wilson reconsiders his position and allows the ABC to remain intact, doing a well-performed task for the public.

ART RODRIGUEZ, Pasadena