Following an undercover investigation, Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) officers seized a large amount of liquor, bar equipment and other evidence on Monday from the Northwest Chapter of UMF America in South Thurston County, which investigators determined was selling and serving liquor without a liquor license.
LCB issued a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 18, detailing the undercover investigation and the recent execution of a search warrant.
LCB officers conducted a long-term undercover investigation of the UMF America chapter at 12647 Littlerock Road SW in Littlerock, across the street from Littlerock Elementary School, that was operating an unlicensed bar, according to the LCB.
“The investigation was in response to a complaint claiming the facility was serving and selling alcohol without a liquor license. The complaint also alleged club members were engaging in other criminal conduct,” the LCB stated in a news release.
In addition to cases of beer and other liquor, officers seized fixtures, furniture, commercial refrigerators, bar equipment and other evidence of illegal liquor operations.
“In Washington, private clubs, and other establishments are required to have a liquor license or permit to sell, serve, store, or allow consumption of alcohol on the premises. The UMF clubhouse is not licensed by the Liquor and Cannabis Board for these activities,” the LCB said in a news release, adding that the agency will recommend criminal charges to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office.
UMF of America is a “men’s social club,” which proclaims it was founded with the “express purpose … to take the vote away from women. Having run into some heavy resistance from the U.S. Congress, we fell in with some bad company and have been drunk and/or loaded ever since,” according to its mission statement.
