SEATTLE (AP) — 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 (http://bit.ly/Hbe7dg) 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.