New liquor store receives warm welcome

A new liquor store opened in the developing business section of Liberty Lake – the first store of its kind for the area that even required review and approval from city hall.

Liberty Lake Liquor and Wine, in the Albertsons Plaza, opened in December. It’s a privately owned establishment that is sanctioned by the state and includes price controls by the state Liquor Control Board.

Owners Cal and Jenell Farrer said they decided to venture out of retirement and back into the retail world last year upon noticing the advertisement for applications to own such a store. Another similar, privately owned liquor store was closing in Newman Lake and made the new store in the vicinity possible.

“We wanted to do something we were familiar with,” said Cal Farrer.

Prior to relocating to the Inland Northwest nearly six years ago, the couple lived in San Diego and owned three 7-Eleven convenience stores.

“We went from too much, to too little,” Jenell Farrer added. “We went from all that to nothing. We probably should have done something like this in between.”

The state’s application process required a well-defined business plan, a specific store location and interior store plan, review of personal financial and tax records, as well as background checks. Upon state approval, the Farrers’ plan was reviewed by the city.

Pride of ownership is evident at the 1,300 square-foot store with custom cabinetry, including the midsection shelving that can be moved for various displays. A bartender’s “how-to” book is available because the Farrers say they are often asked about specialty cocktails.

A typical variety of liquors and wines are available and they plan to add mixers and trinkets to their inventory. The couple chose not to carry tobacco products, and customers must be at least 21 years old even to browse.

They are enthusiastic about their business and its potential in the growing city.

“We already have doubled what they had done out there,” Cal Farrer said of his sales compared to the Newman Lake store. “We hear from customers: ‘We are so glad you are here.’ How could you ever get too much of that?”