Among the six initiatives expected to make it onto the Washington state general election ballot are two that would end the state's monopoly on liquor sales.

This was an issue in the last legislative session as several elected officials argued the state could save money if the it gave up control of the liquor stores. But that assertion is in dispute since the state not only collects a tax on liquor stores but also profit from markup over the wholesale cost.

Secretary of State Sam Reed has already certified that Initiative 1100 has enough signatures to be on the ballot. Heavily backed by Costco and other grocers, this initiative would allow current retailers to sell hard liquor along with beer and wine. Reed's office is still checking signatures for Initiative 1105, a rival initiative, supported by wholesalers, to take the state out of the liquor retail business.

According to the Secretary of State's office, this is the main difference between them: Whereas I-1100 would let retailers buy liquor stock directly from manufacturers, I-1105 would require use of wholesalers.

Here is a recent Associated Press story that discusses both approaches as well as arguments for keeping liquor stores under the control of the state with limited locations and hours.

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