Politics & Government
Liquor stores to stay open later
In an effort to make money, rather than lose it, the state's liquor stores are making a number of changes.
All state liquor stores will have the same hours of operation beginning July 1, the Washington State Liquor Control Board announced in a news release Wednesday. All state stores also will be open additional hours.
Operating hours currently vary by location at the 166 state stores. The new state store hours will be:
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 5 p.m. (58 state stores are open on Sundays)
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The WSLCB received funding in the state budget to standardize state store hours. The new hours are projected to generate nearly $800,000 in additional revenue during the 2011-13 biennium.
Standardized store hours are the first of several plans that are funded in the state budget or called for via enacted legislation that will enhance convenience and generate revenue. Coming soon:
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Additional Stores
- Two High-Volume Specialty Stores. These stores will be located in urban markets. They will offer an upscale environment and an expanded and unique spirit selection complimented by regional wines and Northwest craft beers. The first of the two stores is expected to open later this summer in West Seattle.
- State and Contract Stores. The WSLCB will open two new state stores and up to six contract liquor stores. Contract stores are privately run small businesses that primarily serve rural markets. The stores will open over the course of the biennium.
Spirit Sampling Pilot Program
- The WSLCB will implement legislation (Substitute House Bill 1202) that establishes a pilot program for sampling spirits in state and contract stores. The WSLCB is working with the Distillery Representatives of Washington (DRAW) to develop and implement the program at 30 stores. The pilot will run for a year starting Sept. 1.
Later in the biennium, the WSLCB will implement additional measures including:
- Gift cards that can be redeemed at state and contract stores;
- Online ordering for pick-up at state stores; and
- Optional delivery to restaurants