Local News

7 Alcohol Retailers Pass Compliance Checks

May 27, 2014

To help prevent underage drinking, Omak Police Department and Brewster Police Department conducted alcohol sales compliance checks in Brewster on Friday May 23^rd.

A total of 9 businesses were checked for alcohol sales laws compliance, and of those, 7 successfully refused to sell to Omak Police Department’s underage youth operative. They include: La Milpa, Los Reyes, Chevron, Harvest Foods, Mi Pueblo, American Legion, and La Fruteria Tropical.

Employees from Exxon and Los Camperos were cited by Brewster PD for furnishing alcohol to a minor, which is a gross misdemeanor and punishable up to a year in jail and a $5000 fine. (RCW 66.44.270 (1) The violations will also be reported to the Washington State Liquor Control Board who will determine what kind of administrative action will be taken against the store owners. Administrative actions include fines, 5 – 30 day license suspensions, or both. Repeat violations can result in a liquor license being revoked.

Since underage drinking can lead to tragic consequences for young people, Omak Police and Brewster Police are committed to enforcing Washington State alcohol laws. With funding provided by the Okanogan County Community Coalition, more compliance checks will be conducted through the month of June.

If you suspect someone is providing alcohol to a minor please call 911.