The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) announced its tentative timeline for implementation of Initiative 502 (I-502) yesterday. WSLCB developed this timeline in order to keep the public informed and to identify significant milestones in the implementation process.

Rulemaking began in early December with the filing of CR101 for the Producer License, a notice of proposed rulemaking. WSLCB is still accepting public comments to this notice until February 10, 2013.

According to the timeline, beginning in late January, the WSLCB will begin holding forums in regions around Washington to allow public comment on aspects of the law, which will be followed by public hearings on the draft rules.

WSLCB expects to begin issuing Producer licenses to qualified applicants sometime in mid-August. Processor and Retailer licenses will likely be issued sometime in November. For the complete I-502 timeline, visit the I-502 implementation page of the WSLCB website at www.liq.wa.gov.