5 Eastern Washington businesses sold alcohol to minors during compliance checks

March 3, 2010

 OLYMPIA - On February 25, five Eastern Washington businesses failed liquor compliance checks conducted by the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB). Officers checked seven businesses for sales/service of alcohol to minors.

The five businesses were cited for selling alcohol to investigative aides working with liquor enforcement officers.

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

Liquor enforcement officers conduct compliance checks assisted by investigative aides. These individuals are from 18 to 20 years old. 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 identification.

Liquor enforcement officers are empowered to issue Administrative Violation Notices 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:

  • Spangle Foods, 315 W. Jennings Road in Spangle
  • Webb’s Empire Foods, 1 W. Front St. in Saint John
  • Corner Chevron, N. Main Highway 195 in Colfax
  • Tekoa Market, 138 Crosby St. in Tekoa
  • Bullfrog’s Country Store, 303 S. First St. in Fairfield

Businesses that did not sell alcohol to a minor:

  • Rosalia Market, 610 S. Whitman Ave. in Rosalia
  • McLeod’s Palouse Market, 215 E. Main St. in Palous


 

-30-