Seattle’s Pete Holmes Appointed to LCB Board

OLYMPIA -- The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) today announces that Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed former three-term Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes as a member of the LCB board. His six-year appointment was effective Jan. 16, 2025 and will expire in Jan. 2031.  

"The LCB was an indispensable public safety partner throughout my 12 years as Seattle City Attorney. Washingtonians had already voted to privatize liquor sales before I first ran for office, and when I decided to sponsor Initiative 502 during my first term, we sought in large part to treat marijuana in the same way -- legalizing, regulating, and taxing it for responsible adult use,” said Holmes. “I hope to add my skill set as both civil lawyer and criminal prosecutor in public service to the current board's diverse backgrounds. I am grateful for the Governor's trust in me and honored to serve the people of Washington on the LCB’s board."

During his tenure as Seattle City Attorney, Holmes oversaw a $30 million annual budget and approximately 195 FTEs. His office was involved in litigation or campaigns pertaining to economic justice, drug policy reform, and public safety, most notably working with the U.S. Dept. of Justice over its consent decree to reform policing practices. He is a former appointed member to the state “Sunshine Committee” and a lecturer and/or board member on national committees including the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).  

“Board member Garrett and I welcome Pete to the board,” said LCB Chair Jim Vollendroff. “His public safety experience and perspective as a three-time elected leader for Washington’s largest city will be invaluable to the board’s work ahead.”

The board is composed of three members appointed by the governor to six-year terms. The board holds regular public meetings and work sessions with stakeholders, makes policy and budget decisions, and adjudicates contested license applications and enforcement actions on licensees. Board members also hired the agency's director, William Lukela, who manages day-to-day operations.

The agency has licensing, enforcement, tax collection and regulatory roles concerning alcohol, cannabis, vape and tobacco. It has a staff of approximately 350.