Local News

Alcohol and Marijuana Compliance Checks Conducted


Jul 18, 2018

On Tuesday, Omak Police Department and Brewster Police Department in partnership with Okanogan County Community Coalition conducted alcohol and marijuana compliance checks in Omak, Okanogan, and Brewster. A total of 16 businesses were checked for alcohol sales law compliance, and three for marijuana compliance.

Sage Shop, Forbidden Cannabis, and Caribou Cannabis checked IDs at the door and refused to allow Omak Police Department’s underage operative pass the front door,  8 alcohol retailers checked in Omak and Okanogan also refused to sell to the underage operative and they include: Okanogan Chevron, Omak Chevron, Stampede Mini Market, Omache Chevron, and Omak Travel Plaza, Flying B, Pizza Hut, and Caso’s Family Foods.

Eight alcohol establishments were checked in Brewster, and 7 did not sell to Omak’s investigative aide. They include: La Milpa, Exxon Foodmart, Chevron Foodmart, Harvest Foods, Mi Pueblo Market, Los Reyes Inc. 2, and Camperos Mexican Restaurant.

Unfortunately, one alcohol retailer did sell to Omak’s investigative aide.  Brewster Police cited an employee from La Fruteria Tropical for furnishing alcohol to a minor, which is a gross misdemeanor and punishable by up to a year in jail and up to $5000 in fines (RCW66.44.217 (1)).  The violations will be reported to Washington State Liquor Cannabis Board who will determine what kind of administrative action will be taken against the business owner. Administrative action can include fines, 5-30 license suspension, or both.  Repeat offenses can result in a liquor license being revoked. 

According Okanogan County Community Coalition Project Coordinator, Stacey Okland, research on alcohol compliance checks indicates that when compliance checks are performed frequently and with recognition for those who were successful the number of sales to minors is reduced, which we have seen happened in Okanogan County since the Coalition started conducting compliance checks in 2013.

Oakland said, “We are happy that local business owners and clerks continue to turn away underage buyers. “ Okanogan County Community Coalition will continue to use coalition funds to conduct compliance checks to ensure that local alcohol and marijuana retailers maintain their compliance with Washington State Liquor and Marijuana laws.

More information about Washington State Liquor and marijuana laws can be found http://lcb.wa.gov/

 


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