The state run liquor store on Alaska Street in West Seattle which opened at the end of August will close May 31 due to the passage of Proposition 1183. Pictured is a recent Vodka tasting event there.
Voters approve liquor initiative 1183. The new rules go into effect June 1 and about 1,000 people will lose their jobs, including nine employees at the new West Seattle Premium Liquor Store No. 143 at 4100 S.W. Alaska St. It opened at the end of August.
"Everything has to cease on May 31," said Molly Wheeler. "I'm sad. It's a big deal. I've got 14 years with the Liquor Control Board and this premier store was a huge undertaking and I took it on. That part devastates me. It's a career, and a lot of people's careers. I want to stay optimistic that once one door closes another door opens. I feel bad for the people in the 60-plus age group who will have to start their careers over.
"There have been a lot of people who come in saying how sorry they were for us and other people were like, 'the state needs to get out of business,'" she said. "It is what it is."
