West Seattle liquor transition: Westwood store to reopen Friday

| West Seattle news | WS beverages

Just got an answer to one of tne of the last questions regarding privatized liquor sales in West Seattle. Our inquiry to Ankur Patel, who had won the auction for the right to get a license at the current state-run store location at Westwood Village, says he does indeed plan to operate the store and expects to open on Friday (the first day liquor privatization takes full effect). He tells WSB, “In the short term it will be business as usual. I hope to bring in a diverse array of products for our patrons over time.” The state announced last week it will close that store and West Seattle’s other state-run store, in The Junction, after Tuesday; as reported here earlier this week, building owner Leon Capelouto plans to reopen that one on Friday. (More on the liquor-sales transition later this weekend.)

coffee May 26, 2012 (11:16 am)

I am currious, because there was a story in the Times about how QFC has something in their lease that there were a few people who won auctions, and then found out that they had to find a new location because QFC was going to enforce some rule they have in their lease. How is that for Westwood? Also, I would assume that the Junction QFC does not have that in their lease since Leon Capelouto owns the building…..

WSB May 26, 2012 (11:46 am)

Coffee – a lot of people have cited that story but if you read it closely, it is not EVERY QFC, and in fact the sources for the story just cited a couple places on the Eastside. I trust that by now, less than a week out, this owner would know if he had a problem or not …

Lura Ercolano May 26, 2012 (1:55 pm)

So the new owners have successfully applied for and received their liquor licenses? I think the auctions transferred the right to apply for a license, and didn’t actually transfer the existing licenses.

WSB May 26, 2012 (1:57 pm)

The license application actually just appeared on the Liquor Control Board website yesterday. Which is what led me to look up his contact info and send a message – previously, we had not seen evidence he was applying. He says he’ll be open Friday … we’ll certainly check in then! – TR

valvashon May 26, 2012 (7:13 pm)

Sweet- Potato Vodka will remain within stumbling distance!

Employees? May 26, 2012 (11:37 pm)

So….according to a previous posting employees had already found jobs elsewhere….does Ankur still have employees? Or does he take it for granted that the employees are just going to be there for when he needs them without communicating with them?