Earlier this week, the Washington State Liquor Control Board released a schedule of several-dozen liquor stores that will be closing next week. The phase-out process will take place as private stores get ready to enter to the liquor business in Washington in June.
The list of closures includes one location in Gig Harbor at the . Its last day of operation is Monday, May 28, according to a store employee.
The remaining inventory and the leases are being turned over to the new owners who purchased the exclusive rights in an auction in April to apply for liquor licenses.
The stores are exempt under the new law based on Initiative 1183 that allows only stores measuring 10,000 square feet or more to sell hard liquor.
Michael Cho of Mukilteo, who paid $135,000 for the rights to the Gig Harbor store, said the new store will be called Premium Wine and Liquor.
Cho said he has offered employment to the current state workers and plans to maintain the same number of employees as before.
While prices at the new business are yet to be determined, Cho said he hopes to eventually improve the store with more wine, liquor and craft beer selections.
The store is expected to open in early June.
