Enumclaw Retailers, Local Restaurant Line Up for Liquor Licenses

As the legal battle over liquor privatization rages on, big-name retail chains are planning for the future by submitting applications to begin selling spirits in their stores.

Washington state voters  last November, giving private retailers the authority to sell hard liquor for consumption off-premises. Businesses that apply for the new spirits retail liquor license must have at least 10,000 enclosed square feet of space, among other requirements. 

According to the Washington State Liquor Control Board, stores that already sell beer and wine can add a spirits retail liquor license to their current license if they meet the requirements. The annual fee for the new license is $166.

In Enumclaw, has a new liquor license application in to begin selling spirits along with beer and wine, and has already been approved for a liquor license to sell spirits, according to the liquor control board's online list.

Other Enumclaw area stores with pending licenses to sell spirits are , and .

More stores are expected to apply for the license in the coming months. Retail businesses that obtain licenses will be able to sell hard liquor beginning June 1, pending a possible appeal to the Washington State Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, the at 1040 Stevenson Avenue is currently one of 167 state stores up for public auction effective March 7 through April 20. The online auction is open to the public and winners receive exclusive rights to apply for a liquor license at this location within its current footprint, according to a Liquor Control Board press release.

The current price for the Enumclaw store is $1,825 and there are 15 bids already made (Click here to view). Winning bids are expected to be announced April 30.