PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregonians are one step closer to deciding this fall whether they want to buy liquor at the same places they already buy beer and wine.
The Oregon Supreme Court on Thursday approved the title for a November ballot proposal that'd allow Oregon grocery stores to sell distilled liquor. Grocers behind the measure can now begin gathering signatures to officially place the measure on before voters this fall.
But grocers face opposition from a coalition of local distilleries and winemakers. The group worries the measure will drive up liquor costs for consumers and cost the state a major source of revenue it uses for various public services.
Oregon lawmakers would have until next summer to come up with an alternative way to preserve the revenue stream, likely through a new tax.
