The Washington State Supreme Court gave the green light for Friday's transition to private liquor sales by rejecting a lawsuit Thursday that claimed I-1183 violated the state's constitution.
Opponents had claimed the initiative violated state law because it contained a provision to set aside funding for public safety. Michael Subit, the attorney who represented those who filed the lawsuit, told The Seattle Times the ruling effectively marks the end of opponents' efforts against the new law.
"There's nowhere to go from here. On the issue of the constitutionality of a state statute, the Washington Supreme Court is the final word," Subit told the newspaper.
The three state liquor store locations in Kirkland have all been acquired by private concerns, although the Totem Lake store on NE 124th has moved to a nearby location, 12548 120th Avenue NE, at Totem lake proper.
Meanwhile, several Kirkland stores have been granted spirits retailer licenses by the state liquor control board. Here's the most recent list of active and pending licenses (as of May 29), according to state records.
- Houghton state liquor store on 68th
- Juanita state liquor store on 137th.
- Totem Lake state liquor store (12548 120th Avenue NE)
- , 132nd Ave NE
- , 124th Ave NE
- /Bridle Trails, 132nd Ave NE
- , 68th St
- , 85th St
- , 98th Ave NE
- , 9826 132nd St
- , 120th Ave
- , 120th Ave
- Parkplace Center
- Juanita Drive
- Totem Lake
- , Totem Lake Blvd
- , 132nd St
- NE 85th
- NE 137th
- , 124th Ave
