OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The landslide passage of liquor privatization in Washington has been closely watched in other states that still maintain strong government controls — particularly Washington’s two neighbors.
Northwest Grocery Association officials said Wednesday that industry leaders will likely begin talks in the coming months with liquor regulators and lawmakers in both Oregon and Idaho. He said both states have different systems from Washington, meaning that the rules proposed by Initiative 1183 likely won’t be replicated.
About 18 states have broad control over liquor distribution, and lawmakers in those states have frequently examined the possibility of privatization.
Washington’s initiative campaign got a $22 million boost from retailing giant Costco Wholesale Corp. Unofficial results show it passing with 60 percent of the vote.
