Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
The Washington State Liquor Control Board is an agency of the state of Washington that regulates, and maintains a monopoly on the sale of distilled liquors in the state.
State Liquor Stores
The Board's Retail and Product Services Division operates a statewide sales network of liquor stores, and sells products to a number of privately-owned stores.
Enforcement and Education Division
Liquor Enforcement Officers are assigned to the Education and Enforcement Division. Liquor Enforcement Officers enforce state alcohol and tobacco laws. Liquor Enforcement Officers are limited-authority police officer and can only enforce alcohol and tobacco laws. The Enforcement Division often conducts compliance checks where underage state workers attempt to purchase alcohol or tobacco products. Those who sell to underage persons are arrested and the business also receives a Administrative Violation Notice. Liquor Enforcement Officers also conduct undercover operations to detect alcohol violations such as overserving patrons. Liquor Enforcement Officers are dispatched by the Washington State Patrol. In 2008 the first class of the Basic Liquor Law Enforcement Academy (BLLEA) graduated at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center. The current Chief of the Enforcement and Education Division is Pat Parmer, and the Deputy Chief is Rex Prout. The Division has regional offices in Tukwila, Tacoma, Spokane, and Bellingham as well as field offices in Seattle and Pasco.
Licensing and Regulation Division
The Licensing and Regulation Division issues liquor licenses, which numbered 14,604 in fiscal year 2006. The Division also manages the Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) program.
