State-run liquor stores in Renton and across the state are closing throughout the week, leading up to Friday when only private retail outlets will sell liquor.
Today (Monday) is the last day that the state-run liquor store on Sunset Boulevard Northeast is open.
Wednesday is the last day that the liquor store downtown on Renton Center Way is open.
The transfer to private sales is the result of passage of Initiative 1183 by voters last year.
The phased closures began Saturday, the last day for the state liquor store on Petrovitsky Road in Fairwood and 13 other state stores.
Most state liquor stores are open for Memorial Day.
To maintain coverage as long as possible the Washington State Liquor Control Board is using a phased closure method, spreading out store shutdowns during four days. The phased closures will ensure there are available, but limited locations to purchase liquor across the state, according to a liquor board press release.
“There is a lot of work involved in transferring these stores to private ownership,” said Chris Liu, the liquor board’s director of retail services. “This method will ensure that our customers have the ability to buy liquor right up until June 1, when private retailers take over.”
Thirty five state liquor stores will remain open until June 1. Customers will experience the most limited service on Thursday, when all contract and the majority of state stores will be closed. Two liquor stores will be open in Kent on Thursday, including on 108th Avenue Southeast at Panther Lake and in Midway on Kent’s East Hill.
