(OLYMPIA) – Washington State Liquor Control Board Liquor Enforcement Officers, working with minor operatives, conducted liquor compliance checks at 397 locations in July 2006.

The statewide liquor compliance average for the month was 85.9 percent, which exceeded the average compliance rate of 84.4% for the previous 12 months.

“This year, the Liquor Control Board has continued to increase the number of liquor 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 eight state liquor stores during July. One sale was 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.

Operatives must be at least 19 years of age and not look older than they are. If 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, they can answer evasively. Sale to minor is a Class A misdemeanor. Store owners whose employees are caught selling to minors also receive an Administrative Violation Notice, which can carry a fine and license suspension.

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TOBACCO COMPLIANCE CHECKS AVERAGE NEARLY 90% COMPLIANCE

Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement Officers conducted 258 tobacco compliance checks in July, achieving an 89.5% statewide tobacco compliance rate. Tobacco compliance checks are conducted to make sure businesses do not sell cigarettes or other tobacco products to individuals who are below the age of 18.

The average tobacco compliance rate for the previous 12 months was 92 percent. Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement officers visit businesses licensed to sell tobacco with a minor operative and observe the operatives attempt to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products. If a sale occurs, both the clerk and the business are cited.

The Liquor Control Board continues to emphasize frequent tobacco compliance checks as an effective way to prevent the sale of tobacco products to those under 18.

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