Compliance checks: Okanogan County results

OLYMPIA – Ten businesses passed a compliance check and one business in Omak failed a compliance check conducted by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). On Oct. 7, 2015, officers checked 11 businesses for sales/service of alcohol or cannabis to minors.

The business was cited for selling alcohol to a minor working with officers.

Compliance checks
The WSLCB and local authorities regularly conduct compliance checks of area businesses licensed to sell alcohol or cannabis. These businesses include restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores, neighborhood markets, taverns, wine bars and cannabis retail outlets. Compliance checks are proven tools to reduce the sale of restricted products to minors.

Investigative aides assist officers with compliance checks. These individuals are from 18 to 20 years old. They must either present their true identification or none at all if asked by a clerk.

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 sold alcohol to a minor:

  1. China Star, 3 E. Apple Ave, Omak WA

Businesses that did not sell alcohol or cannabis to a minor:

  1. 4US Retail, 23251 HWY 20, Okanogan WA         
  2. Omak Foodmart, 800 E. Riverside Dr, Omak WA
  3. Stampede Mini Market, 111 Riverside Dr, Omak WA
  4. Evergreen IGA, 920 HWY 20, Winthrop WA
  5. Pardners, The Best Little Mini Market in Winthrop, 900 HWY 20, Winthrop WA                          
  6. Twisp Chevron, 126 N. Methow Valley Hwy, Twisp WA
  7. Hank’s Mini Mart, 410 E. Methow Valley Hwy, Twisp WA
  8. Kodi’s Noon Saloon, 154 Pateros Mall, Pateros WA
  9. Brewster Marketplace, 907 State HWY 97, Brewster WA
  10. Quik-E-Mart #2, 405 HWY 97, Brewster WA

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board’s mission is to promote public safety and trust through fair administration and enforcement of liquor, tobacco and cannabis laws.

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