Two of the four Kent state liquor stores will close May 29 in preparation for the first day of private liquor sales on June 1.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Washington State Liquor Control Board announced Tuesday the closure schedule for most remaining state liquor stores with a phased closure method to spread out the shutdown over four days. The phased closures will ensure that there are available, but limited, locations to purchase liquor across the state.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a lot of work involved in transferring these stores to private ownership,\u201d said Chris Liu, director of retail services, in\u00a0 state liquor board media release. \u201cThis method will ensure that our customers have the ability to buy liquor right up until June 1, when private retailers take over.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Kent East store, 25835 104th Ave. S.E., and the Kent West store, 317 Washington Ave. S., will close May 29. Both stores were sold last month to high bidders.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Thirty-five state liquor stores, including two in Kent, will remain open until June 1. Customers will experience the most limited service on May 31 as all contract, and the majority of state stores will be closed.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A liquor store in Des Moines at Redondo Square, 27067 Pacific Hwy. S., closes May 28. The Kent-Covington store, 17307 S.E. 272nd St., closes May 30.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The two Kent stores open through May 31 are at 20514 108th Ave. S.E. on the East Hill and at 23219 Pacific Hwy. S., on the West Hill. Both of those stores are back up for auction May 24.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n