Island Home Center & Lumber has applied for a license to sell beer, wine and liquor in its store — a move that would make it the second retail space on Vashon to do so in the wake of a ballot measure privatizing the sale of spirits.

Earl VanBuskirk, owner of Island Lumber, said he decided to seek the license as a result of his store’s recent expansion, which gave Island Lumber room to add cocktail, beer and wine glasses. Some customers suggested he add spirits to the mix, he said.

“Adding liquor and other new items will enhance the shopping experience and make our store unique,” he added in an email.

Currently, only Vashon Liquor sells hard alcohol on Vashon. The small shop went from being a contract store, selling liquor provided by the state Liquor Control Board, to a private shop with its own inventory seven months ago, after Initiative 1183 passed.

Under the initiative, any retail space 10,000 square feet in size or larger can also sell spirits as part of its other inventory. Neither of Vashon’s two grocery stores have opted to do so.

Brian Smith, a spokesman for the Liquor Control Board, said permits generally take 45 to 90 days to get approved. VanBuskirk applied for his permit on Feb. 15. He said he hopes to begin offering liquor, beer and wine as soon as he receives a permit.

“We will stock top-shelf items from Washington state to support the local state economy plus some other popular brands,” he said.

 

Contact Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Editor Leslie Brown at editor@vashonbeachcomber.com or 1-206-463-9195.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.