5 Kirkland businesses sold alcohol to minors during compliance checks

April 10, 2009

OLYMPIA - Half of the Kirkland businesses visited on April 4 by the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) and the Kirkland Police Department failed liquor compliance checks.

Officers checked 10 businesses for sales/service of alcohol to minors. Five businesses received administrative action against their liquor licenses for selling alcohol to investigative aides working with police and liquor enforcement officers.

The WSLCB and local authorities regularly conduct compliance checks of area businesses licensed to sell alcohol. These businesses include spirits, beer and wine restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores, neighborhood markets, taverns, wine bars and sports/entertainment facilities. Compliance checks are proven tools to reduce the sale of alcohol to minors.

Police and liquor enforcement officers conduct compliance checks assisted by investigative aides ages 18 to 20. They must present their true identification if asked by a clerk. However, they may attempt to be evasive if asked their age but not asked for their I.D.

Liquor enforcement officers are empowered to issue Administrative Violation Notices (AVN) to businesses that fail compliance checks. Fines or temporary license suspensions can be issued depending on the severity of the infraction or the frequency with which a business has been cited. Clerks who sell can also receive a criminal citation. Liquor enforcement officers review the past two years when determining fines or license suspensions.

Businesses that sold alcohol to a minor:

The Slip, 80 Kirkland Ave.
Pub 85, 12859 NE 85th St.
Brickhouse Pub, 9714 Juanita Dr. NE
Bishops Ale House, 11848 98th Ave. NE
The Wet Bar, 106 Kirkland Ave.
 

Businesses that did not sell alcohol to a minor:

TGI Fridays, 505 Park Pl.
Time Out Sports Bar, 218 Central Way
J Bay Bar & Grill, 9736 NE 120th Pl.
The Keg, 10416 NE 38th Pl.
Safeway, 12519 NE 85th SE

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