Initiatives could allow liquor sales at up to 22 local businesses
October 19, 2010
Liquor profits pour about $300,000 into city coffers
Like the Costco Wholesale outposts in dozens of other states, Washington warehouses could add Kirkland Signature vodka and dozens of other store- and name-brand spirits to store shelves — if the electorate approves a historic change to state liquor regulations next month.
The decision to redo state liquor regulations appears on the November ballot in the form of dueling initiatives, 1100 and 1105. Issaquah-based Costco is the biggest backer behind Initiative 1100.
The measures aim to close state-run liquor stores and roll back Prohibition-era policies to allow hard liquor to be sold in grocery stores, gas stations and other retailers.
“This has been an ongoing effort for 20 years to modernize some antiquated regulations that go back more than 75 years,” Joel Benoliel, Costco senior vice president and chief legal officer, said last week. “The world has changed since, almost literally, the horse-and-buggy days, when Prohibition ended.”
Washington and 17 other states still control liquor sales and distribution.
Like past clashes related to state liquor rules, questions about public safety and underage drinking dominate the debate.
Most liquor stores to remain open for Labor Day
September 5, 2010
NEW — 8 a.m. Sept. 5, 2010
Take a load off for Labor Day. Most state-run liquor stores will remain open on the holiday.
The state stores will open at normal times at 10 or 11 a.m., and close at 7 p.m. Find the complete list of stores open Monday here.
Contract liquor stores might also remain open on the holiday. Contact the stores directly for holiday operating schedules.
Find more store schedules and phone numbers at the Washington State Liquor Control Board website.
Most liquor stores will remain open for Independence Day
July 4, 2010
NEW — 7 a.m. July 4, 2010
Hoist a glass to freedom: Most state-run liquor stores will remain open on Independence Day.
The state stores will open at normal times at 10 or 11 a.m., and close at 7 p.m. Find the complete list of stores open Sunday here.
Contract liquor stores might also remain open on the holiday. Contact the stores directly for holiday operating schedules.
Find more store schedules and phone numbers at the Washington State Liquor Control Board website.
Liquor stores will stay open on Memorial Day
May 30, 2010
NEW — 6 a.m. May 30, 2010
Drink up: Most state-run liquor stores will remain open on Memorial Day.
The state stores will open at normal times at 10 or 11 a.m., and close at 7 p.m. Find the complete list of stores open on Monday here.
Contract liquor stores might also remain open on the holiday. Contact the stores directly for holiday operating schedules.
Find more store schedules and phone numbers at the Washington State Liquor Control Board website.
