May 7, 2009
OLYMPIA - On May 5, five Spokane County businesses sold alcohol
to minors during compliance checks conducted as part of a joint
enforcement effort by the Washington State Liquor Control Board
(WSLCB), the Spokane Police Department and the Spokane Fire
Department.
Officers checked 11 businesses for sales/service of alcohol to
minors, and five were cited for selling alcohol to investigative
aides working with officers. A sixth business was cited for
Employee Drinking on Duty, in violation of state liquor laws and
regulations.
The WSLCB and local authorities regularly conduct compliance
checks of area businesses licensed to sell alcohol. These
businesses include spirits, beer and wine restaurants, grocery
stores, liquor stores, neighborhood markets, taverns, wine bars
and sports/entertainment facilities. Compliance checks are
proven tools to reduce the sale of alcohol to minors.
Police and liquor enforcement officers conduct compliance checks
assisted by investigative aides ages 18 to 20. They must present
their true identification if asked by a clerk. However, they may
attempt to be evasive if asked their age but not asked for their
I.D.
Liquor enforcement officers are empowered to issue
Administrative Violation Notices (AVN) to businesses that
violate state liquor laws and regulations. Fines or temporary
license suspensions can be issued depending on the severity of
the infraction or the frequency with which a business has been
cited. Clerks who sell alcohol to minors can also receive a
criminal citation. Liquor enforcement officers review the past
two years when determining fines or license suspensions.
The following locations sold alcohol to a minor:
- Double Dribble, 8108 N. Division St., Spokane
- Studio K Bar & Grill, 2810 E. 29th Ave., Spokane
- Big Super Store, 18616 E. Appleway, Green Acres
- Casa De Oro, 2820 E. 29th Ave., Spokane
- Blvd House of Music, 230 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane
The following location was cited for Employee Drinking on
Duty:
- Casa De Oro No. 4, 4111 N. Division St. in Spokane
The following locations did not sell alcohol to a minor:
- Lefty's Steak and Sports, 3525 N. Division St., Spokane
- Peking North Restaurant, 4120 N. Division St., Spokane
- Talotti's 211, 211 N. Division St., Spokane
- Thumpers, 718 E. Francis Ave., Spokane
- Raja Market, 18609 E. Appleway, Green Acres
Contact: Capt. Sheri Zanger, WSLCB Central and Eastern
Washington Enforcement, (509) 625-5516
Anne Radford, WSLCB Communications Consultant, (360) 664-1604
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