Two Spokane businesses cited following LCB investigation into Dec. 17 collision

Feb 24, 2010
 

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) today issued Administrative Violation Notices to two Spokane businesses for violating state liquor laws following the agency’s investigation into events surrounding a Dec. 17, 2009 triple fatality collision on the Eastbound I-90 on-ramp to Southbound US 195 in Spokane. A third business that was part of the investigation was not cited.

The WSLCB found that The Lion’s Lair, located at 205 W. Riverside Ave., and the BLVD House of Music, located at 230 W. Riverside Ave., violated liquor laws the night of the collision. No administrative action was taken against Fast Eddie's All Purpose Pub, located at 1 W. Spokane Falls Boulevard.

One of the vehicles involved in the collision was operated by a driver who was travelling the wrong way and who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. A group of people – including the wrong-way driver – visited the three Spokane businesses on the night of the collision.

The following Administrative Violation Notices were issued today:

  • The Lion’s Lair
    • Violation for allowing an apparently intoxicated person to consume/possess alcohol
    • Recommended penalty: Five day liquor license suspension or a $500 fine
    • First violation of this type within two years
       
  • BLVD House of Music
    • Violation for allowing an apparently intoxicated person to consume/possess alcohol
    • Recommended penalty: 30 day liquor license suspension
    • Third violation of this type within two years

WSLCB liquor enforcement officers are empowered to issue Administrative Violation Notices to businesses that violate state liquor and tobacco laws or regulations. Fines or license suspensions can be issued depending on the severity of the infraction or the frequency with which a business has been cited. Officers look at the past two years when determining a recommended penalty.

When a business receives an Administrative Violation Notice, it has three options: accept the penalty, request an informal hearing with the WSLCB hearing officer, or request a formal hearing with an administrative law judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings. The businesses have 20 days to choose an option.

 

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