The Washington Supreme Court heard arguments today on the constitutionality of I-1183, the voter-approved initiative that gets the state out of the liquor business. The Costco-backed initiative allows stores larger than 10,000 square feet to sell liquor starting June 1st.
Opponents of the initiative sued the state, arguing that the measure included more than one subject and was misleading to voters. They appealed to the Supreme Court after a judge in Cowlitz County upheld the initiative in March.
At the heart of their argument is an article in the state Constitution which says that legislative bills and initiatives can’t include more than one subject, and that subject has to be clearly stated in the title of the bill.
Michael Subit, an attorney representing Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention, argued in court Thursday that the measure violated the single-subject rule by including a $10 million earmark for public safety.
