The ballot measure for the 2010 ballot was added after the Massachusetts State Legislature increased the sales tax in the state from 5% to 6.25% and eliminated an exemption for alcohol sold in liquor stores.

[1][2][3] The Measure passed with 52% of the vote thereby eliminating the sales tax on alcohol beginning January 1, 2011.

Since the Massachusetts Legislature did not approve of the initiative by the May 4, 2010 deadline, petition organizers had to obtain signatures from about 1/2 of 1% of voters who voted in the last governor election and submit them before or on July 7, 2010.

According to the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office, that number amounted to 11,099 signatures.

Sponsors turned in enough signatures for the ballot, therefore allowing voters to decide on the measure.