Cannabis Is Not Booze
The award would mean less, or might not exist in the decades old legal alcohol regulatory world. But where the “intoxicant/medicine” is prohibited by Federal Law, and a major concern of both Federal and State policy makers is control and protection of minors; a recognition for control, programs and practices is worth noting. Colorado and Washington are the first states to move against the Federal prohibition of possession and use of cannabis for recreational purposes. Twenty states have medical marijuana (MMJ) laws.
Washington State recreational cannabis is monitored more than almost any other product, short of nuclear fuel; maybe more! Anyway, when your product isn’t even legal nationally, it’s important to play inside the lines. Washington State Liquor control Board received recognition today for their effort to control this new product, and logically, keep it out of the hands of those who should not have it.
Hat’s Off LCB- Announcement Below
October 1, 2014
Liquor Control Board Enforcement Division named Liquor Law Enforcement Agency of the Year
OLYMPIA – The Enforcement Division of the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) was today recognized by the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association (NLLEA) as the Liquor Law Enforcement Agency of the Year. The award is given to an agency that demonstrates agency effectiveness through model programs and practices. NLLEA is a non-profit association of law enforcement personnel dedicated to the enforcement of liquor laws and regulations.
“Your agency has seen a number of major policy changes over the last few years and you have proactively and constructively addressed the challenges these changes created by developing new programs and solutions to alcohol and marijuana enforcement” said NLLEA President Frederick Mahoney. “Creating the Responsible Vendor Program, increasing compliance checks and conducting alcohol and marijuana premise checks are just a few of the initiatives that make your agency the ideal recipient of the NLLEA Liquor Law enforcement Agency of the Year award.”
RVP
The Responsible Vendor Program is a free, self-monitoring program designed to help retailers adopt and enforce best retailing practices to promote responsible sales of liquor and preventing illegal use and abuse.
Compliance Checks
In 2013, the LCB enforcement officers and local authorities conducted nearly 3,000 compliance checks of businesses licensed to sell alcohol. These businesses include restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores, neighborhood markets, taverns, wine bars and sports/entertainment facilities. Compliance checks are proven tools to reduce the sale of alcohol to minors. Investigative aides assist officers with compliance checks. These individuals are from 18 to 20 years old. They must either present their true identification or none at all if asked by a clerk.
“With the five-fold increase in spirits retailers as well as pioneering the first recreational marijuana licensees, our enforcement team has seen dramatic changes these past three years” said WSLCB Director Rick Garza. “Regardless of these new challenges, our officers carry out their public safety responsibilities daily with professionalism and effectiveness. This award is truly deserved.”
Chief of Enforcement Justin Nordhorn accepted the award on the agency’s behalf.
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