Ballot Initiative Set to Challenge Washington State's Monopoly on Liquor Sales
7/22/2010

Summary:

Stoel Rives attorney Susan Johnson discussed in Wines & Vines a Washington state ballot initiative that seeks to end the state's monopoly on alcohol sales. Ballot initiative 1100 would privatize the sale of liquor, eliminate the three-tier regulatory system, permit volume discounts and allow credit terms to be offered by producers to retailers and restaurants. Washington-based Costco Wholesale Corp. led the effort to get initiative 1100 on the ballot, which goes before voters this November.

Johnson said initiative 1100 enjoys a better chance of success than Costco's judicial challenge to Washington's liquor distribution system in 2005. "This stands a better chance than any of the privatization efforts we've seen over the past decade," she argued. "I think the public attitude is just more receptive."

"Washington Wineries Oppose Ballot Measure" was published by Wines & Vines, July 19, 2010.