(OLYMPIA) - Soju, a favorite Korean spirituous liquor, cannot be sold by the entire bottle in licensed establishments according to RCW 66.24.400. This law affects a longtime Korean tradition of pouring drinks for another person from the bottle. SoJu is a spirituous liquor because it is distilled versus fermented alcohol.

"Spirituous liquor must be served by individual drinks in establishments with a license to serve on-premises liquor," said Lt. Jennifer Skoda, a Seattle-area Liquor Control Enforcement Officer. "Because SoJu is a spirituous liquor, people are not allowed to have an entire bottle or serve themselves and their friends."

“In Washington state, customers that wish to honor their friend can simply ask the bartender to serve the drink to the other person, then, the establishment is still in compliance with state law. In this way, it still honors the person,” suggests Lt. Skoda.

The mission of the Washington State Liquor Control Board is to prevent the misuse of alcohol and tobacco and promote public safety and wholesale distribution, licensing, regulation, enforcement, and education. For more information about state liquor law visit www.liq.wa.gov.

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