Unlicensed Snohomish County Location Shut Down for Illegal Alcohol Service and Sales

OLYMPIA  WA – Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) officers on Oct. 15, in collaboration with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department, executed a search warrant at Doc's Riverside Social Club located at 1423 S Machias Rd, in unincorporated Snohomish County.

The warrant was the result of a complaint-based investigation into alleged service and sales of alcohol by an unlicensed business to the public. Under state law, alcohol may only be sold by premises holding an LCB-issued liquor license.

The location was the site of a previously licensed business, Doc’s Riverside Tap House. The liquor license was cancelled due to several COVID-related violations of former Gov. Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order, in place during the epidemic. The licensee litigated LCB’s authority of enforcing that order, but the courts upheld LCB’s authority. The license cancellation was finalized Mar. 7, 2025.  

Following the complaint, LCB’s investigation determined the location was advertising to the public as a “tavern.” On multiple occasions, undercover LCB officers entered the premises and determined alcohol was being served and sold.

The operation led to the seizure of alcohol products and cash and additional items related to the non-licensed business. Criminal charges will be forwarded to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.  

LCB's Mission: Promote public safety, public health, and trust through fair administration, education, and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws.