All state liquor stores, including the four in Kent, will have the same operating hours and as well as expanded hours starting July 1.

Currently, operating hours vary by location at the 166 state stores, according to a Washington State Liquor Control Board website article.

The new state store hours will be:

Monday – Thursday: 10 to 9 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. (58 state stores are open on Sunday, including one in Kent).

The Kent stores are at 25835 104TH Ave. S.E.; 23219 Pacific Highway S.; 20514 108TH Ave. S.E.; and 317 Washington Ave. S., the only location also open on Sunday.

The Kent store hours vary now, but most close at 7 or 8 on weeknights and 8 or 9 on weekend nights.

“Having standard, reliable hours will be a significant improvement in convenience for our customers,” said Washington State Liquor Control Board Chair Sharon Foster. “It took an investment by the governor and Legislature to make it possible. We are excited and thankful to have this opportunity and look forward to providing this service to our customers and returning additional revenue as well.”

The liquor control board received funding in the state budget to standardize state store hours. Standardized hours are projected to generate nearly $800,000 in additional revenue during the 2011-13 biennium.

“The later hours are not expected to compromise our top priority – public safety,” said liquor control board administrative director Pat Kohler. “Washington State liquor stores have among the nation’s highest no-sales-to-minors compliance rate at 95 percent. Additionally, state store employee wages are not based on sales, so they do not have an incentive to sell to teens or apparently intoxicated people.”

Standardized store hours is the first of several plans that are funded in the state budget or called for via enacted legislation that will enhance convenience and generate revenue.

Other changes coming soon include:

• Two high-volume specialty stores. These stores will be located in urban markets. They will offer an upscale environment and an expanded and unique spirit selection complimented by regional wines and Northwest craft beers. The first of the two stores is expected to open later this summer in West Seattle.

• State and contract Stores. The liquor board will open two new state stores and up to six contract liquor stores. Contract stores are privately-run small businesses that primarily serve rural markets. The stores will open over the course of the biennium.

• The liquor board will implement legislation (Substitute House Bill 1202) that establishes a pilot program for sampling spirits in state and contract stores. The board is working with the Distillery Representatives of Washington to develop and implement the program at 30 stores. The pilot will run Sept. 1, 2011 to Sept. 1, 2012.

Later in the biennium, the board will implement additional convenience measures including:

• Gift cards that can be redeemed at state and contract stores.

• Online ordering for pick-up at state stores; and optional delivery to restaurants.

State stores are operated by state employees and are located in suburban and urban markets. Contract stores are privately-run small businesses that contract with the state. Contract stores primarily serve small rural markets. Due to existing contracts and varying business needs of rural communities, contract stores are not included in the standardized hours. Go to www.liq.wa.gov for individual store hours.

The liquor control board returned $370 million in 2010 to the state to help fund state and local services.