Big-Name Kirkland Retailers Line Up for Licenses to Sell Hard Liquor

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 Kirkland, Bartell Drugs, Walgreens, Red Apple and Metropolitan Market have pending applications for spirits retail licenses, according to the liquor control board's online list (from there, choose "Kirkland" from the drop-down menu).

Here is the complete list:

• , 132nd Ave NE
• , 124th Ave NE
• Red Apple Market/Bridle Trails, 132nd Ave NE
• , 68th St
• , 85th St
• , 98th Ave NE

Other Kirkland stores submitted for a retail spirits license earlier, including:

, 9826 132nd St
, 120th Ave
, 120th Ave
Parkplace Center
Juanita Drive
, Totem Lake Blvd
, 132nd St
NE 85th
NE 137th
, 124th Ave

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.