User:Rorybowman/sandbox/i1183

Washington Initiative 1183 concerning "beer, wine, and spirits (hard liquor)" was an initiative to the people which privatized liquor sales for Washington state, breaking the monopoly on liquor sales exercised by the Washington State Liquor Control Board since the end of prohibition in 1934. Submitted in May, 2011, Initiative 1183 was approved at the November general election by a margin of 58.7 percent to 41.3 percent. . Largely conceived of and spearheaded by Costco, it was the most expensive initiative campaign in state history, at a combined cost of nearly $34 million. Liquor prices, consumption, tax revenues and private profit were all expected to increase.

Ballot Measure Title and Summary
The full text of the measure is available online.

As described by the Secretary of State's office, I-1183 "would close state liquor stores and sell their assets; license private parties to sell and distribute spirits; set license fees based on sales; regulate licensees; and change regulation of wine distribution"

"This measure would close state liquor stores and sell their assets including the liquor distribution center. The state would license private parties to distribute spirits and to sell spirits in retail stores meeting certain criteria, subject to specified training and compliance requirements. The measure establishes licensing fees for sale and distribution of spirits based on the licensee’s sales revenues. It would change some wine distribution laws and allow non-uniform wholesale pricing for wine and spirits."

Support and Opposition
Washington voters had previously rejected