February 15, 2008
SNOHOMISH - The Washington State Liquor Control Board and the Snohomish Police Department February 8 and 9 conducted joint undercover operations in the city of Snohomish to assess compliance with state liquor laws. The undercover operation was at the request of City of Snohomish Police Chief John Turner.
The WSLCB investigated four locations for two days. Each location was cited for allowing apparently intoxicated persons to possess or consume alcohol:
The Oxford Saloon and Eatery - 913 First St., Snohomish.
Sanction (First violation within a two year window): five day suspension of the license with an option to pay $500 in lieu of suspension.
Sandy's Roadkill Bar and Grill - 921 First St., Snohomish. Sanction (First violation within a two year window): five day suspension of the license with an option to pay $500 in lieu of suspension.
Sports Page Grille and Bar - 907 First St., Snohomish. Sanction (First violation within a two year window): five day suspension of the license with an option to pay $500 in lieu of suspension.
Mardini's Restaurant - 101 Union St., Snohomish. Sanction (Third violation within a two year window): 10 day suspension of the license with an option to pay $5000 in lieu of suspension.
"Public safety is the Liquor Control Board's top priority," said WSLCB Captain Thomas Dixon. "When patrons are over served too often they soon become a danger to themselves and others."
Officers from the Liquor Control Board and Snohomish Police Department will host a Responsible Liquor Sales class in the coming weeks in Snohomish. Bartenders, servers, managers and owners will be invited to attend the class.
"In the 10 months that I have served as police chief, the department has offered several classes on responsible liquor sales with sparse attendance, perhaps they will take their role more seriously," said Chief Turner. "In addition to the action by the WSLCB, the Snohomish Police prosecutor will be reviewing these cases for potential criminal charges"
"When they walk out of that meeting there should be no question in the attendees minds about how important safe communities are to the Liquor Control Board and the City of Snohomish," added Dixon.
Washington State Liquor Control Board Enforcement Officers are empowered to issue Administrative Violation Notices to licensed establishments to enforce state liquor and tobacco laws. Fines or temporary license suspensions are issued depending on the severity of the infraction or the frequency with which a business has been cited within the past two years as defined in the law.
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