Originally published Monday, October 11, 2010 at 8:35 AM

Washington voters may end state liquor monopoly

Washington voters face two initiatives on the general election ballot that would end the state monopoly on hard liquor sales.

The Associated Press

OLYMPIA, Wash. —

Washington voters face two initiatives on the general election ballot that would end the state monopoly on hard liquor sales.

Initiative 1100 also would eliminate price controls and other regulations, some of which have been in place since the 1930s. Retailers now selling beer and wine could add hard liquor. They also would be able to buy beer and wine directly from manufacturers.

Initiative 1105 would keep state laws that protect beer and wine distributors.

Opponents to both warn about public safety if the number of liquor stores increase. The state also would lose sales revenue.

Washington is one of 12 states with a monopoly on hard liquor sales either through state-run stores or contractor outlets.

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Online:

http://www.protectourcommunities.com

http://www.yesto1100.com

http://www.familywineriesofwashington.com

http://www.beerinstitute.org

http://www.washingtonwineinstitute.org

http://nbwa.org

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