I've devoted my career to law enforcement and protecting public safety. I care deeply about the safety of our communities, protecting our kids, and providing adequate resources for local law enforcement.

I urge a yes vote on Initiative 1183 on the November ballot.

I-1183 is a reasonable and responsible plan to finally get state government out of the business of selling and promoting liquor and focus state resources where they belong - on enforcing our liquor laws.

My years as a Bellingham police officer and as Whatcom County Sheriff proved to me what most law enforcement officials understand: That stronger enforcement, tougher penalties and increased funding for local law enforcement - not an outdated state liquor store system - are the keys to preventing sales to minors and keeping our communities safe.

I-1183 measures up. Here's how:

Stronger enforcement and tougher penalties

I-1183 strengthens enforcement of state liquor laws. It doubles penalties for retailers who sell spirits to minors, and increases the requirements for employee training and supervision. I-1183 also generates new dedicated revenues to increase funding for local police, fire and emergency services across the state, without raising taxes.

I-1183 sets strict requirements for stores that get licenses to sell liquor. I-1183 limits liquor licenses to medium and large grocery and retail stores, subject to approval by the Liquor Control Board. It requires retail stores to demonstrate that they can effectively prevent the sale of alcohol to minors in order to be eligible for a liquor license, and ensures local input into which grocery and retail stores receive liquor licenses. And, by requiring that stores have at least 10,000 square feet of retail space in order to be eligible to get a liquor license, the initiative effectively prevents liquor from being sold at gas stations and small convenience stores.

Increased funding without raising taxes

According to studies by both the Office of Financial Management and the Washington Research Council, I-1183 will generate an estimated $440 million in additional revenue for public services in the first six years. Businesses that get licenses to sell liquor will pay a percentage of their revenues to provide new funding for state and local services - including education, health care and public safety.

These provisions of I-1183 underscore the fact that the state does have a role in the liquor business - and that role is enforcement and regulation, not promotion and sales.

A good plan for Washington

By ending Washington's outdated state liquor store system, I-1183 will allow Washington consumers to buy liquor from strictly regulated, licensed grocery or retail stores, just like consumers do in 42 other states. I-1183 is a well-designed, responsible plan for getting state government out of the business of selling liquor, and I-1183 will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenues for state and local services, while strengthening enforcement and increasing public safety resources.

Support for yes on I-1183

As you may know, more than 360,000 Washington voters signed petitions to place I-1183 on the November ballot. Now, a yes vote on I-1183 is being supported by a broad - and growing - coalition of grocers, restaurants, wineries and other businesses across the state as well as by consumers, taxpayer advocates and public safety and law enforcement officials.

I encourage Bellingham Herald readers to look into the facts on this important initiative by visiting the coalition's website at yeson1183.com.

If you agree with me that I-1183 is the responsible choice for Washington, please join the Yes on 1183 Coalition to show your support. Joining online at yeson1183.com is an easy way to add your name to the growing list of thousands of Washington citizens, businesses and organizations who support I-1183.

I hope you'll join me in voting yes on I-1183 in November.

Dale Brandland is the former Whatcom County Sheriff and past president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. He also served eight years as a state senator before retiring. He is a 35-year resident of Whatcom County.