February 24, 2004
OLYMPIA - The Washington State Liquor Control Board, the State
Attorney General and the King County Prosecutor all have been named in a
suit by Costco, which is challenging Washington statutes regulating the
manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of beer and wine.
Many of these laws have been in effect since the 1930s, when the 21st
Amendment to the U. S. Constitution gave states the right and
responsibility to regulate all aspects of alcohol sales, distribution
and consumption within their borders.
The 21st Amendment reaffirms that alcohol is not just another commodity
like potato chips and that its sale and distribution should occur in a
fair and orderly marketplace to discourage over-consumption and protect
public safety. Many states have adopted three-tiered distribution
systems to accomplish these goals. In such systems, producers sell to
distributors who then sell to retailers.
The Washington State Liquor Control Board has the duty and
responsibility to enforce Washington statutes and rules regarding the
sale and distribution of alcohol. The WSLCB will continue to exercise
this responsibility with respect to the statutes being challenged.
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Note to Editor: Members of the public who have concerns or complaints
regarding alcohol sales to minors can contact the Liquor Control Board’s
toll free tip line at 1-888-838-3956.
For more information contact Public Information Officer Tricia Currier at (360) 664-1784 or page at (360) 290-3683.
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