Local News

One Hundred Percent Passing Rate for Alcohol Retailers This Time Around

Jun 17, 2014

On Thursday June 12, the Omak Police Department along with the Oroville PD, and Okanogan County Community Coalition conducted alcohol compliance checks in Omak and Okanogan.

A total of 16 businesses were checked for alcohol sales law compliance, and all 16 successfully refused to sell to the underage youth operative. The businesses checked include: Beaver Trap, The Club, Okanogan Chevron, Flying B, Caso’s, Omak Chevron, Gene’s Harvest Foods, Safeway, Pizza Hut, Texaco, Rite Aid, Omak Exxon Food Mart, Hometown Pizza, Rancho Chico, Valley Lanes, and Stampede Mini Market.

Stacey Okland, Okanogan County Community Coalition’s underage drinking prevention coordinator said, “This is great news!” She said, “This shows that retailers are doing their part to make sure young people under 21 aren’t able to buy alcohol in our community.” Okland said, “On behalf of the Coalition, I say ‘Thank You’ to all 16!”

Also last week, the Washington State Liquor Control Board took administrative action against retailers who sold to Omak’s undercover youth during checks conducted on May 9th in Omak and on May 23rd in Brewster. Texaco, Stampede Mini Market, Quick E Mart, and Camperos each received either a 5-day liquor license suspension or a $500 fine.

Since underage drinking can lead to tragic consequences for young people, Omak Police are committed to enforcing Washington State alcohol laws and they will continue to work with other enforcement agencies like Oroville PD to make sure those laws are being enforced. So, with funding provided by the Okanogan County Community Coalition, Omak Police will conduct more compliance checks throughout the county through the end of the year.