Idaho Wants to Privatize Liquor Sales | Business

Idaho State is hot on the heels of Washington in its quest to privatize liquor sales. A grocery industry lobbyist is behind the push, just like the one Costco Wholesale Corporation had success with in Washington last November.

Northwest Grocery Association President Joe Gilliam met with Governor Butch Otter in December to find out how to get a voter initiative on the ballot next November.

To make it happen, Gilliam needs 47,432 registered voter signatures by April 30th. The tight deadline means Gilliam would need a well-funded campaign to pay for paid signature gatherers. Costco backed Initiation 1100 last year with $22 million.

Retailers in Washington start selling liquor June 1st. Some people in Idaho worry the lower prices will drive Idahoans across the border for cheaper liquor sales. In the meantime, Joe Gilliam has a long road to hoe if wants an initiative on the November ballot.