Wash. state to eye rules to ban pot at bars

SEATTLE — Washington state officials say it's not OK for bars to allow marijuana use, and they'll take quick steps to address that.

The announcement from the state Liquor Control Board on Wednesday followed a recent report by The Associated Press about establishments in Olympia and Tacoma that allow people to consume marijuana on-site.

Washington legalized pot for adults last fall, but public display and use of marijuana is barred under the law, punishable by a civil infraction carrying a $103 fine.

The Liquor Control Board's rules allow it to punish bars that allow criminal activity on-site, but not bars that allow civil infractions, and that's the loophole regulators intend to address.

Board members say they're concerned about people mixing alcohol and marijuana, then getting behind the wheel.

KIRO