LCB Executes Warrant at Unlicensed, Nuisance, Thurston County Location

OLYMPIA -- Following an undercover investigation, Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) officers on Monday July 7, 2025, executed a search warrant at 3135 184th Ave. SE in Tenino, WA, known locally as “Tad’s in Tenino” or “Tads’ Man Cave.” Harold “Tad” Weber and Chris Aldridge were suspected of several violations of state law including selling liquor without a license, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, allowing consumption of cannabis in a public place and creating a public nuisance.

Background
The unlawful activity at Tad’s has been an ongoing issue for years, generating several complaints from citizens, law enforcement, and local government. LCB officers previously conducted undercover investigations and executed search warrants on the property for operating without a liquor license in 2016 and 2017. Both warrant services substantiated that Harold “Tad” Weber was operating an unlicensed liquor business from his residence, in violation of Washington State liquor laws.

2025 Investigation
In June 2025, Mr. Aldridge posted on social media advertisements for an event entitled “The Annual Tad Hatter 4th of July Music Festival: 2025.” The event was July 4-6, 2025, at the same Tenino address. Tickets were advertised for sale for $50.

On July 4, 2025, the LCB conducted an undercover operation after reviewing Mr. Weber’s and Mr. Aldridge’s social media posts which included photos from prior events and advertisements for the upcoming event. Officers witnessed a well-organized outdoor bar setup, including individuals acting as bartenders behind a counter, with stacked cups, bar mixing tools, ice chests, and visible bottles of spirits and cases of beer stacked behind the bar area. Photos also showed a stage set up for live music. Also depicted were vendor tents offering items for sale, including suspected cannabis.

Undercover LCB enforcement officers were able to purchase alcohol from multiple locations onsite. An onsite vendor also sold cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms. Mr. Weber and event-promoter Mr. Aldridge were both present at the event.

2025 Enforcement Action
On July 7, 2025, LCB officers, with safety assistance from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at the property.

Officers located and seized a large amount of alcohol, including liquor from a fully stocked bar at the residence, additional storage areas, and an outside bar adjacent to a stage for live entertainment. In addition to the alcohol, officers seized fixtures, furniture, commercial refrigerators, bar equipment, nearly $30,000 in cash, illicit cannabis, suspected illegal drugs, packaging material, scales, and other evidence. Officers also observed illegal gambling equipment at the bar which was removed with the assistance of an agent from the Washington State Gambling Commission.

In Washington State, private clubs, and other drinking establishments are required to have a liquor license to sell, serve, store, or allow consumption of alcohol on the premises. Additionally, the sale of tobacco and cannabis requires tobacco and cannabis licenses. Tad’s is not licensed by the LCB to engage in these activities. Operating a cannabis club or allowing the public consumption of cannabis is illegal under RCW 69.50.465.

LCB officers will be recommending criminal charges to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for Operating Without a Liquor License (RCW 66.24.481 and RCW 66.44.090), Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.401 and RCW 69.50.4013), Unlawful Use of a Building for Drug Purposes (RCW 69.53.010), Allowing the Public Consumption of Cannabis (RCW 69.50.465), and Creating a Public Nuisance (RCW 9.66.010(2)).

Images from the investigation are available here.