April 23, 2010
OLYMPIA - The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) today issued an emergency liquor license suspension up to 180 days for Lucky Market, located at 3729 E. College Way, No. B, Mount Vernon. The suspension is effective at 4 p.m., April 23, 2010.
The suspension is the result of a joint investigation between Liquor Control Board enforcement officers and the Mount Vernon Police Department following concerns expressed by parents and community coalitions working to reduce under-age drinking. Enforcement officers found that the owners of the Lucky Market were allegedly selling alcohol to under-age youth. A series of controlled purchases were conducted by officers, which resulted in the business selling beer to a 19 year-old on four occasions over a three-week period.
The WSLCB is authorized by state law to issue an emergency suspension of up to 180 days of a liquor license when it believes the “health, safety or welfare” of the general public is in danger. During the suspension period, the WSLCB will take action to revoke the Grocery store’s liquor license permanently.
In addition to the four violations, there are currently three pending violations awaiting hearing – two for Sale to Apparently Intoxicated Persons and one Sale to Minor violation.
Emergency suspensions represent an extraordinary exercise of the state’s power and the WSLCB is mandated to ensure that an emergency suspension is reasonable, justifiable, and legal in every way.
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