State eyeing plan to give Liquor Control Board more legal power
SEATTLE -- State lawmakers are debating whether officers of the Liquor Control Board should have full law enforcement authority.
Supporters and critics alike say it's all because of legalized marijuana, but the rationale behind the proposal is getting mixed reactions.
For years, the Liquor Control Board has dealt with beer and wine, but now that marijuana is part of its mission, the board wants to become full-fledged law enforcement.
Marijuana is the newest legal vice in Washington and, so far, the state isn't sure exactly what to do with it.
Medical marijuana advocate John Davis said this is all part of the post I-502 world.
"Please regulate us in a clear manner," Davis said.
House Bill 1876 offers one option, but it is a controversial one. It would allow LCB officers to become full members of law enforcement, on par with state patrol or fish and wildlife officers. As it stands, LCB officers have limited authority police power.
Liquor Control Board union representative Josh Bolender said having full law enforcement power could help with crimes in bars, such as drug-related prostitution and other crimes.
But the board wants to prepare officers for anything, especially because of the sketchy history of illegal pot dealing.
"Trying to investigate those crimes with a limited commission is going to be challenging," Bolender said.
Each side of the issue wants direction, regulation and safety in the budding new world of marijuana, and everyone involved admits the state is entering uncharted territory.
"We currently have a lot of gray area," Bolender said.
Supporters and critics alike say it's all because of legalized marijuana, but the rationale behind the proposal is getting mixed reactions.
For years, the Liquor Control Board has dealt with beer and wine, but now that marijuana is part of its mission, the board wants to become full-fledged law enforcement.
Marijuana is the newest legal vice in Washington and, so far, the state isn't sure exactly what to do with it.
Medical marijuana advocate John Davis said this is all part of the post I-502 world.
"Please regulate us in a clear manner," Davis said.
House Bill 1876 offers one option, but it is a controversial one. It would allow LCB officers to become full members of law enforcement, on par with state patrol or fish and wildlife officers. As it stands, LCB officers have limited authority police power.
Liquor Control Board union representative Josh Bolender said having full law enforcement power could help with crimes in bars, such as drug-related prostitution and other crimes.
But the board wants to prepare officers for anything, especially because of the sketchy history of illegal pot dealing.
"Trying to investigate those crimes with a limited commission is going to be challenging," Bolender said.
Each side of the issue wants direction, regulation and safety in the budding new world of marijuana, and everyone involved admits the state is entering uncharted territory.
"We currently have a lot of gray area," Bolender said.
By all means, letâs grow an agency which we no longer need, and then arm them.Oh and while we are at it, letâs do all we can to disarm honest citizens.
Let's start with a czar of marijuana. The czar needs a building and a staff to fill it. The buildings needs maintence workers and security. The maintence workers and security needs a union to protect them from low wages and no health care/retirement.
Back to the czar, his department is not making enought to make payroll, so the money the schools and others were promised goes away. Now the czar has more money.
The czar needs a bigger building...............
The last thing we need is more armed government agents. WSLCB can rely on current police agencyâs if needed.
@Ned LCB agents have completed the same police academy all officers/deputies have completed. They are limited in their enforcement by laws, not training.
When I voted for I502, I had hoped it was a vote to abolish the liquor control board.
@Glassman You and I both. I have been wondering why I keep seeing them mentioned. All that should be left (no pun intended) should be tax revenue which we have another agency to oversee. Â
Oh gee, this might get in the way of people making a ton of money off of pot. So sad...
Ya thats the answer more cops..
NO.
 We already have real police for that. If they need law enforcement for an operation, they can coordinate with local law enforcement and WSP.
@Dredd57 WSP really? They handle your highways and freeways...not your typical crimes.
"Liquor Control Board union representative Josh Bolender said having full law enforcement power could help with crimes in bars or drug-related prostitution."
Now it makes sense. Unions are all about increasing your base for more dues
I see no reason why LCB enforcement officers should have full police powers. Their duties and scope is related to alcohol and now marijuana. They should have the necessary powers to act with regard to those things and that would be reasonable.
A few years ago, the state gave full police powers to Fish and Wildlife officers. These officers can now pull you over and write traffic tickets. If the state gives the same authority to LCB officers, does that mean you will see LCB vehicles on the highways with lights and sirens? I don't think this is reasonable at all. Give them the power to enforce laws relating to their area of responsibility. We don't need them for traffic patrols or handling other crimes.
Why get in direct competition with the drug cartels? Because they want to get in on the profits! Either make it legal or not...period! This city is crazy with nanny-state ideas ("for your own good") and abusive police control. You cut the buses but always find taxpayers money for hiring more police. Get out of our lives please! I feel this nation is no longer free with a law for everything! I'd like to see the return receipt for the drones they mayor says he returned to the manufacturer....don't believe that story for a minute.
Do we really need the bar and marijuana police? Â I say no.
This state will never stop until its a police state. Taxation and government growth is out of control here. The only thing that keeps me around is the geography and clean water to surf in.
No.Â
Isn't the current police force in Washington proving corrupt enough?Â
@TJM An example please.
Oh good, less government.
Oh geez. How much money is THAT going to cost?