Memorial Day May Prove Drier Than Some Would Like

No, not weather, booze. The changeover from State Liquor Stores to commercial retailers appears to be a planning cock-up – at least for us Islanders – that will leave some celebrating without their Here’s-to-Dad Glenmorangie or the Welcome-summer G&T.

Our only liquor outlet closed May 15th. When I wanted to re-supply Ann’s Kettle One, I headed for QFC, doubting that they were yet set up for spirits. Right, not even a tiny tenth will go through check-out lines until June 1.

Factoria, I was told, was open but “you’d better hurry – they received what will be their final shipment last Wednesday.” I found the store and sure enough, they had a couple of Kettles left, but the near-empty shelves screamed “Going out of Business.” And we are still four days from Memorial Day weekend festivities.

Moreover, Mercer Island has a population of 17,000-some adults over 18. If national addiction averages hold, we have some 1,500 needy alcoholics among us; this could be a tough cold-turkey if they don’t pay attention to their stash. And I don’t relish them driving I-90 to Factoria in extremis.

Somebody screwed up the transition – maybe intentionally, resentment at us voters who ended the state’s monopoly?

Anyway, word-to-the-wise: check your stocks and start searching. Don’t wait ‘til Friday.