Washington State Liquor Control Board Liquor Enforcement Officers, working with minor operatives,
conducted liquor compliance checks at 561 locations in September 2006. The statewide compliance average
for the month was 85.7 percent, which exceeded the average compliance rate of 83.4% for previous 12 months.
This year, the Liquor Control Board has continued to increase the number of compliance checks it carries
out and has begun to focus more on identifying and checking problem licensees, said Pat Parmer, Chief
of Enforcement and Education. Over time, more frequent and targeted compliance checks will result in a
higher statewide compliance rate, Parmer said.
Compliance checks were conducted at 302 state liquor stores during September. There were 37 sales recorded.
During a compliance check, a Liquor Enforcement Officer accompanies a minor operative to a business.
The officer observes the operative attempt to purchase alcohol. If a sale occurs, the clerk and the
business are both cited.
If Investigative Aides are asked for their identification, they must present a driver’s license or other
picture I.D. bearing their true age. If asked whether they are 21, the can answer evasively. A sale to a
minor is a gross misdemeanor for the sale of alcohol to a underage person punishable up to 1 year in jail
and or $5,000.00 fine. A misdemeanor is 90 days or $1000.00. Store owners whose employees are caught selling
to minors also receive an Administrative Violation Notice, which can carry a fine and suspension.
