$15.5 million spent so far on Initiative 1183

Initiative 1183, the latest effort to terminate state-run liquor stores and wholesaling operations, had attracted more than $15.5 million in contributions from both sides of the issue as of early October, according to Public Disclosure Commission reports..

Support and opposition comes from businesses and associations that often cooperated in the past on alcohol beverage issues. Supporters of the initiative include Costco, Safeway, the Washington Restaurant Association and the Association of Washington Business. Opponents include the Washington Beer and Wine Wholesalers, the Washington Food Industry Association, and the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents liquor store employees. For more on the issue, see Erik Smith’s story in our October issue.