SPOKANE, Wash. - For the past 70 plus years, Washington State has controlled liquor sales. Two new measures on the November ballot are working to change that. Both initiatives essentially take the state out of liquor sales, just like 32 other states across the nation. While the language of both sound similar, there are slight but significant differences in the two that could have very different impacts on Washington.
Both initiatives eliminate liquor profits to the state, however, I-1100 maintains the state's 10-percent liquor tax. I-1105 eliminates that tax beginning April of 2012. So what does that mean? For example, in 2008 the city of Spokane saw $ 986,228 in liquor taxes alone, and $1,371,898 in liquor profits, meaning the city stands to lose a considerable amount from its general fund if either initiative passes.That said though, supporters for both initiatives say they would give consumers fair prices on liquor, end the state's 51.9-percent mark up and create private sector jobs.
1100 claims it would give the state a chance to combat teen drinking, instead of worrying about store sales. 1105 claims the state would see increased revenue, by the number of private liquor licenses sold.
Another big difference is the amount of businesses that could sell liquor under each initiative. Right now the state has 315 liquor stores, but if either initiative were to pass that number could skyrocket. Under 1100 the state auditor estimated 3,357 out of the 5,200 stores that already have a beer/wine licenses already, would opt to sell hard liquor too. Under 1-1105 though, it's essentially up to the state liquor board to develop criteria for liquor licenses, meaning that number could be reduced based on the stores that would qualify under their regulations.
So what happens if both initiatives pass? It's up to the State Legislature to amend both measures together, with a 2/3 majority vote. If they can't do that, the initiatives get turned over to the courts.
For more info visit these helpful sites...
Support – www.yesto1100.com
Oppose – www.protectourcommunities.com
Support – www.liquorreform.org
Oppose – www.protectourcommunities.com
www.mrsc.org
www.ofm.wa.gov
www.sos.wa.gov
www.liq.wa.gov
Other resources
I-1105
Campaign websites
I-1100
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