Four stores were cited for selling to minors, the first LCB sting operation. This is an amazing development in Washington, because it was unexpected.
Obviously the LCB had some information about where to look for violators. But they sent out alert letters to all retailers that they would be conducting the sting. Even with the warning 4 places out of 22 blew it. That’s an astounding percentage. Employees involved have been fired and are subject to criminal action, the businesses involved are being named and shamed on every media known to man, retailers throughout the state are doubling up on security, the entire industry in the US is watching to see what happens.
The LCB is playing a game to send a message: bust 4 and 154 will toe the line. Back in the 1790’s the Brit navy would whip 4 sailors for acts against nature to keep a few hundred in line.
Bottom line is that it’s a bad PR thing. Those guys broke the rules, they are going to be attacked for fucking things up….