OLYMPIA – Five businesses in Wenatchee and Rock Island passed tobacco compliance checks conducted by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). On September 30, 2015, officers checked the five businesses for sales of tobacco to minors, two were random checks; three in Rock Island were re-checks based on previous sales to minors violations.
The five successful checks represent a 100 percent compliance rate.
Compliance checks
The WSLCB and local authorities regularly conduct compliance checks of area businesses licensed to sell tobacco. These businesses include restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores, neighborhood markets, taverns, etc. Compliance checks are proven tools to reduce the sale of tobacco to minors.
Investigative aides assist officers with compliance checks. These individuals are from 16 to 17.5 years old. They must either present their true identification or none at all if asked by a clerk.
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.
Businesses that did not sell tobacco to a minor:
- Up in Smoke, 307 Ferry St. , Wenatchee
- BJ’s Auto Truck Plaza Island Restaurant, 100 Rock Island Rd., Rock Island
- La Tiendita Hispana, 222 Rock Island Dr., Rock Island
- Dad’s Country Store, 302 Rock Island Dr., Rock Island
- Kanzaman Tobacco and Gifts, 511 Valley Mall Pkwy #D10, East Wenatchee
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