Everett Marijuana Retailer Purple Haze Busted For Selling Pot To A Minor

The Washington State Liquor Control Board issued a press release today announcing results of its first compliance checks of recreational pot stores. One store in Everett, Purple Haze at 4218 Rucker, was listed among four out of twenty-two that failed the compliance check by selling pot to a minor. Another store listed in Everett, Green City Collective is actually well out into unincorporated Snohomish County at 136th and Highway 99. The other two stores cited were in Tacoma. Purple Haze was the third recreational pot store to receive a license from the State Liquor Control Board and the City of Everett out of five stores authorized within the city limits. It has been surrounded by controversy since it applied for its license.

Kushmart, at 6309 Evergreen Way, was also tested by the WSLCB but passed their compliance inspection. The only other marijuana retailer in Everett, High Society at 17th and Broadway was not checked this time around. Here’s an outline of how the compliance checks work according to the WSLCB…

Officers, working with underage investigative aides, checked 22 businesses for sales of marijuana to minors. The first checks represent an 82 percent no-sales-to-minors compliance rate. The four businesses will be cited for selling marijuana to minors. The individuals who sold the marijuana will be referred to their respective prosecuting attorney’s office for potential criminal prosecution.

First Marijuana Compliance Checks
The WSLCB and local authorities regularly conduct compliance checks of area businesses licensed to sell alcohol. The checks, conducted May 15-18 in Skagit, Snohomish, Kitsap, Pierce and Cowlitz Counties, were the first marijuana compliance checks. The checks followed a recent communication to all licensees that enforcement officers were beginning compliance checks and recommended best practices for avoiding an illegal sale.
Compliance checks are proven tools to reduce the sale of age-restricted products 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.

Administrative Penalties
Liquor enforcement officers are empowered to issue Administrative Violation Notices to businesses that fail compliance checks. Fines or temporary license suspensions can be issued depending on the severity of the infraction or the frequency with which a business has been cited. Sales to minors are considered the most serious violations because they present a threat to public safety. Businesses cited for Sale to a Minor face a 10-day suspension or $2,500 fine. Businesses who receive three public safety violations within three years face license cancellation.

Just last night the Everett Planning Commission worked on Everett’s recreational marijuana laws as they move from making them interim to permanent. The final decision on that rests with the Everett City Council who may get another earful tonight now that Purple Haze has been cited by the State.