March 16, 2010
Project based on DUI data, 2009 fatality collisions
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) Spokane Enforcement Office will increase enforcement and educational activities at 10 downtown Spokane liquor-licensed businesses during its Location of Strategic Interest (LSI) project, which will run from April 1 to Dec. 31.
The office also plans to promote its regularly offered “Responsible Alcohol and Tobacco Sales” classes to an additional 105 businesses located in the downtown district during that timeframe as a way to increase awareness of state liquor and tobacco laws.
Locations of Strategic Interest
Each WSLCB enforcement region identifies and addresses problems at establishments or areas that pose the highest threat to public safety by creating LSIs. These locations become the focus of intense enforcement and educational efforts by WSLCB liquor enforcement officers.
Spokane officers will increase the number of undercover checks, premises checks, and education classes at the 10 businesses during the project, which was developed in response to three fatality collisions that occurred in 2009 and driving under the influence (DUI) statistics. The 10 businesses were selected based on DUI data collected between March 8, 2009 and March 8, 2010 and/or identification in a DUI fatality complaint.
The 10 businesses include:
- Mootsys, 406 W. Sprague Ave.
- Blvd. House of Music, 230 W. Riverside Ave.
- Fast Eddie’s All Purpose Pub, 1 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
- Chan’s Dragon Inn, 1406 W. Third Ave.
- Blue Spark, 15 S. Howard St.
- Knitting Factory Concert House, 918 W. First Ave. Suite 100
- Jimmy’z Gastropub & Red Room Lounge, 512 W. Sprague Ave.
- Irv’s, 415 W. Sprague Ave.
- The Lions Lair, 205 W. Riverside Ave.
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The 211 Bar and Grill, N. 211 Division St.
The project’s goal is to reduce sales and service of alcohol to apparently intoxicated persons, fatality collisions and DUIs linked to liquor licensed premises in the downtown district, and educate businesses about liquor laws. Officers will primarily look for sales of alcohol to apparently intoxicated persons, and allowing apparently intoxicated persons to consume or possess alcohol.
Fatality collisions, DUI data
WSLCB investigations have found that the drivers in the three fatality collisions had patronized and consumed alcohol at businesses located within the downtown district prior to the collisions. The collisions occurred on June 2 near the corner of Fourth and Browne, Nov. 20 at the intersection of Spokane Falls Boulevard and Browne, and Dec. 17 on the Eastbound I-90 on-ramp to Southbound U.S. 195.
The WSLCB DUI data is gathered when a person is stopped for DUI. The person is asked the last place they drank by law enforcement officers, and their Blood Alcohol Content is recorded. This information is submitted to the WSLCB by the Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies.
Educational classes offered
The WSLCB will also promote its regularly offered “Responsible Alcohol and Tobacco Sales” classes to businesses within the district that are licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption. The classes are held at the Spokane Enforcement Office, located at 1303 W. Broadway Ave. Seating is limited. Reserve a seat by calling the office at (509) 625-5513.
- 1:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month
- 9:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of every month
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By appointment at a liquor licensed business by calling (509) 625-5513
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