State Supreme Court to hear liquor privatization case
Apr 1, 2012, 10:49 AM | Updated: 11:51 am
The state Supreme Court will hear arguments on a lawsuit aiming to throw out a voter-approved initiative (I-1183) privatizing the state's liquor business. (AP Photo/File)
(I-1183)
The state Supreme Court will hear arguments on a lawsuit aiming to throw out a voter-approved initiative privatizing the state’s liquor business.
The Seattle Times reports the state’s high court will hear arguments on May 17 on the challenge to Initiative 1183, which was approved last fall. Parts of I-1183 already have been implemented, and private retailers are set to start selling spirits on June 1.
This lawsuit is the first of two challenging I-1183, both arguing the measure addresses more than one subject, making it unconstitutional. Earlier this month, a Cowlitz County judge reversed his earlier decision and said I-1183 has just one subject and is therefore constitutional.
The biggest proponent of I-1183 is Costco Wholesale and the biggest opponent is the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
