Suppliers representing 99 percent of all spirits products have signed an agreement with the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) that will ensure their products are available in state liquor stores until June 1.

The state will convert to the private sale of spirits on June 1; under the agreement, supplies will buy back any products not sold in state liquor stores.

“Our employees hit the ground running Nov. 9,” said WSLCB Chair Sharon Foster. “I want to thank them for their steady leadership and dedication on behalf of our customers.”

The LCB reached out to suppliers soon after the election, seeking their input and support on a buy-back agreement, according to a news release.

Initiative 1183 directs the Board to deplete all inventory before June 1, 2012. To reduce risk of leftover product and to ensure that customers had access to liquor until the transition date, the LCB needed a commitment from suppliers to re-purchase their products under the Supplier Buy-back Agreement, according to the release.

Entering into supplier buyback agreement was optional, but there are significant benefits including the ability to: have special orders fulfilled, participate in the spirits tasting pilot, and continue to have marketing displays in state stores, according to the release.

While nearly all spirits products are covered by a buy-back agreement, some of the largest wine suppliers chose not to join the buyback agreement because of market avenues elsewhere, according to the release. However, wine represents less than five percent of overall sales at state liquor stores.

Approximately 22 percent of all wine products sold in liquor stores are covered by a buy-back agreement. Existing wine stock not covered by the agreement is considered risk inventory and will not be replenished once the inventory is depleted.