Big-Name Gig Harbor Retailers Line Up for Liquor Licenses

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 Gig Harbor, Bartell Drugs, Target and Walgreens have pending applications for spirits retail licenses, according to the liquor control board's online list. The contract liquor store on 56th Street NW has also applied for the new license.

Here is the complete list:

• , 5225 Olympic Dr. NW
• , 11400 51st Ave. NW
• , 4309 Burnham Dr.
• Jimmy 94th Ave Pub, 9401 State Route 302
• , 4840 Borgen Blvd. NW
• , 3200 Tarabochia St.
• , 5500 Olympic Dr.

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

• , 11330 51st Ave. NW
• , 4793 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW
• , 10990 Harbor Hill Dr.
• , 5500 Olympic Dr.
• , 5010 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW
• , 4818 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW
• , 4831 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW
• , 7102 Ray Nash Dr. NW
• , 8812 N. Harborview Dr.
  
  

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.