Alcohol and Blue Laws... (Auburn, Milton: for sale, how much, purchase)

[marimari123]

Hi Everyone,

So...I was reading through these forums, and I saw a thread about state liquor laws. I'm not saying that we're huge drunks......well maybe a little....

Could you explain the laws to me? From what I understand, you can purchase beer and wine at regular grocery stores. But if you want to purchase hard liquor like gin, vodka, tequila, etc., then you have to purchase from a liquor store. Is that right?

Are the liquor stores owned by the state, like in Utah? Or are they just regulated by the state?

Are there only certain times of the day or days of the week that alcohol can be purchased?

Oh and last question...for now......how much more does alcohol cost in WA than in California. We spent a few years in Utah, and a $7-8 bottle in California is about $10-$11 in Utah. So Utah marks up the price about 30% or so.

Thanks for the answers.

Regards,
mari

[Balco9]

It's too bad Wasington can't be like California and have liquior in all stores that sell beer and wine. I love the store BevMo, it's the new version of Liquior Barn! The liquior store's here in Wasington are pricey and small inventory of types of liquior's. I think BevMo has 40 different vodka's to choose from. I think the liquior store's are also closed her on Sunday. There is not many liquior store's in Washington period.

[70Ford]

Here's a list of the ONLY stores open on Sunday.

WA State Liquor Control Board - Stores Open on Sundays (http://www.liq.wa.gov/PriceBook/SundaySales.asp - broken link)

From what I understand, you can purchase beer and wine at regular grocery stores.

Yes. They have better sales, in my opinion.

But if you want to purchase hard liquor like gin, vodka, tequila, etc., then you have to purchase from a liquor store. Is that right?

Yes - but - you can find sake and vermouth for sale in grocery stores, on Sunday or any other day. They will light your buzz better than "regular" wine or beer...if that is what you are looking for. They can range up to 36 proof. (18 percent) or so.

Are the liquor stores owned by the state, like in Utah? Or are they just regulated by the state?

Dunno. They have something to do with the state. To tell you the truth, I never thought much about it. Might be something about it on that web page I linked.

Are there only certain times of the day or days of the week that alcohol can be purchased?

Sunday Sales Hours: Noon to 5 p.m.


Oh and last question...for now......how much more does alcohol cost in WA than in California. We spent a few years in Utah, and a $7-8 bottle in California is about $10-$11 in Utah. So Utah marks up the price about 30% or so.

It's been 7 months or so since I've had a drink...If I remember..right..a pint of vodka is like 8 bucks? and a 750 ml bottkle bottle of vodka is 18 bucks? Don't quote me. I can't really recall...that's just what I think it was around.

Ah....here you go.....

Alcohol laws of the United States by state - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Washington

6 a.m.–2 a.m.

A local government subdivision may fix later opening hours or earlier closing hours than those here specified. Beer and wine available in grocery stores and convenience stores every day (including federal holidays) from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Spirits for off-premise consumption are sold only in state-run or state-contracted liquor stores. Store hours vary by location, but no store is open before 9 a.m. and all stores must be closed by 10 p.m.

Some stores are open Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

All state-owned stores are closed on federal and state holidays, while contract stores have the option to remain open at the discretion of the store manager.

[marimari123]

Thanks so much for the replies...

Me and my fellow drunks appreciate the info.

Best regards,
mari

[nwraider]

Prices of beer and wine are pretty much even with California, not much difference at all.. Booze is pretty close too.. $20-25 for 750ml of Absolut and the wife's Patron is still pretty pricey no matter what state we get it in.. Bacardi, Jager, all pretty much the same price, at least at the stores in Fife/Milton where I shop for it.. Been here 3 1/2 years and STILL getting used to only getting booze at liquor stores (hell, the wife used to be able to get her 1800 at Rite Aid down in Riverside), and alot of them close about 8 or 9, even on Friday and Saturday nights.. So if you get it, get it early...

[Balco9]

Basically you need to stock up or if your military your in good hands with their Class 6 stores open 6am-2am for all your alcohol needs...

[doulamama]

Also the Muckleshoot liquor store in Auburn is open every day till like 11 pm!! WOOHOO But anyways I was there the other night and got 750ml of smirnoff citrus for $12.95. Not bad. Theres a few others that have pretty nice prices too.