LCB reports expanded joint investigations, virtual training and bilingual outreach

Larry Lucalla, chief of enforcement and education at the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, briefed the caucus on March 31 about recent community‑partnership efforts that pair enforcement with prevention and bilingual outreach.

Lucalla told board members that field teams have conducted joint investigations, compliance checks and search warrants with local agencies such as Tacoma, Sunnyside and Ellensburg police departments and multiple sheriff's offices. He said the teams also provide roll‑call training and technical expertise to local agencies to ensure enforcement is consistent across jurisdictions.

On education, Lucalla said the division expanded virtual "responsible sales" classes and added a virtual responsible‑cannabis sales offering. "We've seen 35 liquor attendees for the responsible sales class and now 31 cannabis," he said, adding those figures represent part of roughly 90 trainings in the last 90 days. The agency continues to offer in‑person training for violations that require on‑site follow‑up, he said.

Lucalla highlighted increased accessibility efforts: Officer Octavio Nogales has delivered Spanish‑language trainings and premises checks, and Officer Yu Chen has provided Mandarin/Chinese training and ID verification instruction. The education program reported 23 bilingual contacts in the last 90 days; the communications team produced a Cantonese regulatory translation on short notice to meet an emerging need.

Lucalla also described community programs such as local mentoring partnerships and said staff are available to deliver combined or small‑group briefings for licensees. He framed the work as a balanced approach: enforcement actions continue where required, while education and outreach aim to reduce future violations.

Board members praised the outreach and thanked staff for the initiative. No votes were taken on these items.