OLYMPIA WA: Following an undercover investigation, Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) officers served a search warrant for unlicensed liquor service and sales at their location in south Thurston County. Officers seized a large amount of liquor, bar equipment, and other evidence.
Background on the LCB’s investigation and special operation:
LCB officers conducted a long-term undercover investigation of a location at 12647 Littlerock Road SW in Littlerock, Washington (across the street from Littlerock Elementary School) that was operating an unlicensed bar. According to investigating officers, the location is the clubhouse for the Northwest Chapter of UMF of America. The investigation was in response to a complaint claiming the facility was serving and selling alcohol without a liquor license. The complaint also alleged club members were engaging in other criminal conduct.
An undercover investigation confirmed the clubhouse was illegally selling liquor and functioning as an unlicensed bar. LCB officers subsequently obtained a search warrant for the location which was executed Monday morning.
Officers from the LCB located and seized cases of beer and other liquor. In addition to the alcohol, officers seized fixtures, furniture, commercial refrigerators, bar equipment, and other evidence of illegal liquor operations. In Washington, private clubs, and other establishments are required to have a liquor license or permit to sell, serve, store, or allow consumption of alcohol on the premises. The UMF clubhouse is not licensed by the Liquor and Cannabis Board for these activities.
The 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).
Images of the evidence seized, and the special operation are available below: