Decision on WSU alcohol sales delayed again

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board met Tuesday in Olympia to discuss Washington State University’s proposal to expand alcohol sales inside Martin Stadium to every area except the student section, but the decision was put off as the board had additional questions it wanted the university to address.

“This isn’t unusual,” LCB spokesperson Mikhail Carpenter said. “The board doesn’t always make a decision when the board has a proposal brought forward.”

The LCB pushing back the decision won’t affect Cougs this weekend, as the WSU football team will face the Boise State Broncos in Boise.

The team’s next home game Sept. 17 against the University of Idaho, and it’s likely both Vandals and Cougs will be hoping to take advantage of expanded alcohol sales in the stadium while the pigskin is passed around. Alcohol is currently offered only in premium seating areas.

Carpenter said there were just a few unanswered questions delaying the decision. The questions were discussed during the public board meeting, but he declined to comment on any details.

“The board still has to make a decision – we don’t talk about it until the board makes a decision, then we speak about what the board is going to do,” Carpenter said.

WSU had a similar, quiet response.

“We’re hopeful to have something in the near future,” said Bill Stevens, associate director of WSU football.

Stevens said the university would comment more on the issue once a decision has been made.

Carpenter said that decision could be made as early as next week, when the board tentatively has WSU’s proposal scheduled for discussion.

WSU President Kirk Schulz previously told the Daily News expanding alcohol sales for the entire football season inside the stadium would bring in about $1 million in new revenue, which would be used to trim Cougar Athletics’ $13 million deficit.

WSU has six home games remaining on its schedule.