(Seattle) – On July 27, 2006, the Liquor Control Board will hold a public
meeting to hear a request from the City of Seattle to formally recognize two alcohol impact areas (AIAs)
in the Central Core and North Areas. Your business is located within the boundaries of these areas.
(See attached description of boundaries.)
Public Hearing: Thurs, July 27, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Location: LCB Distribution Center
4401 East Marginal Way S, Seattle
You are invited to attend this hearing and provide comments. The Board will make a decision on the city’s
request at a later date.
City of Seattle Request: In June 2004, the City of Seattle adopted an ordinance (Ordinance 121487) designating
two new alcohol impact areas. The city is now requesting the Board to formally recognize these two new AIAs and
is also requesting that the Board restrict grocery and convenience stores in these AIAs from selling certain types
of high alcohol content/low cost beers and wines. (See attached list). The restriction would also include
restaurants that sell beer and/or wine for off premises consumption.
What is an Alcohol Impact Area?
An Alcohol Impact Area is an area of a city or town that is experiencing significant problems with
chronic public inebriation or illegal activity associated with alcohol sales or consumption. Under
Liquor Control Board regulations (Washington Administrative Code 314-12-210 through 314-12-225), a
city or town can request that the Liquor Control Board formally recognize an Alcohol Impact Area after
the city has first attempted to address the problems through community-based, voluntary efforts. The local
jurisdiction must provide documentation to show there is a pervasive pattern of public intoxication and/or
public consumption of alcohol in the AIA.
How Will the Alcohol Impact Area Affect My Liquor License?
1. Extended liquor license notification times: The Liquor Control Board’s formal recognition of the
Alcohol Impact Area means the agency would give the City of Seattle more time to comment on new license
applications, license assumptions, and license renewals for businesses that sell beer or wine to-go within
the Alcohol Impact Area. The City of Seattle would have 60 days to comment on applications or assumptions
that include alcohol sales “to go” (previously 20 days), and 90 days to comment on license renewals
(previously 60 days).
2. Restrictions on Alcohol Sales “To Go”: Along with formal recognition of the Alcohol Impact
Area, the Liquor Control Board may approve mandatory restrictions on the “to-go” sales of alcohol based
on the City of Seattle’s showing that such alcohol sales within the Alcohol Impact Area are linked to
problems associated with chronic public inebriation.
Comment:
The Board will call for public testimony after the City of Seattle presents its request. The Board
invites you to attend the July 27 hearing and give your comments. You can also comment in writing,
by July 31, to:
Liquor Control Board fax: 360-753-2710 email: kjm@liq.wa.gov
PO Box 43098
Olympia, WA 98504-3098
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