February 17, 2009
OLYMPIA - The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) today issued an emergency liquor license suspension up to 180 days for Newman's Chevron, located at 2021 6th St., Bremerton. During the suspension period, the WSLCB will take action to revoke the grocery/beer/wine license permanently.
On Feb. 12, 2009, the licensee for Newman's Chevron, Mr. Chang S. Choe, sold beer to an 18-year-old investigative aide. Thursday's sale was the sixth sale to a minor at Newman's Chevron within two years.
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. Sales to a minor are Group 1 Violations to Public Safety. They are considered the most serious because they present a direct threat to public safety.
"Due to multiple violations at Newman's Chevron, an extensive violation history within a short period of time, and an immediate threat to the health, safety and welfare of the people of Kitsap County, the Board is imposing an immediate emergency liquor license suspension," said Board Chairman Lorraine Lee.
Previous Sales to a Minor at Newman's Chevron include:
- May 17, 2007 Written warning issued
- Aug. 14, 2007 Licensee paid $500 fine
- Dec. 29, 2007 Penalty later combined with Jan. 10, violation
- Jan. 10, 2008 25-day license suspension (compromised settlement that includes with Dec. 29, violation)
- Nov. 1, 2008 Proposed penalty of license cancellation. Licensee requested a formal hearing that is currently pending
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. The WSLCB issued three emergency suspensions in 2006, three in 2007, and one in 2008.
The suspension is effective from Feb. 17, 2009 to Aug. 17, 2009.
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