Local News

Omak PD Enforces Underage Drinking Laws

Aug 06, 2019

On Saturday August 3rd, Omak Police Department in partnership with Okanogan County Community Coalition conducted alcohol and marijuana compliance checks in Omak and Okanogan. A total of 19 businesses were checked for alcohol sales law compliance, and 3 for marijuana compliance.

Sage Shop, Forbidden Cannabis, and Fire Cannabis refused to sell to Omak Police Department’s underage operative. 17 alcohol retailers checked in Omak and Okanogan also refused to sell to the underage operative and they include: Okanogan Chevron, Okanogan Market, Caso’s Family Foods, Jackpot Conoco, Gene’s Harvest Foods, Stampede Mini Market, Rite Aid, Safeway, Walmart, Grocery Outlet, Pizza Hut, Omache Chevron, Omak Travel Plaza, El Portal, Roadhouse 97, Rancho Chico, and Los Gallos.

Unfortunately, two alcohol licensees did sell to Omak’s investigative aide. Omak Police cited an employee from Valley Lanes and an employee from Red Rooster 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 days license suspension, or both. Repeat offenses can result in a liquor license being revoked.

According Okanogan County Community Coalition Director, Stacey Okland, local business owners and staff may not realize that compliance checks are more about making sure that kids don’t have access to alcohol and marijuana and not about trying to bust a business or employee. Most businesses used ID scanning devices to check ID, so we appreciate the efforts businesses have taken to make sure their employees have the tools to make sure they do not sell to a minor. If they can’t get it they can’t drink it!

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/