Does the science still say WA marijuana and booze sales are essential?

First concerns related to COVID-19

Here in WA, we were told that COVID-19 is a life and death concern requiring regular people to stay home from work while marijuana and booze sales are essential.

March 25, 2020 The Seattle Times

In coronavirus closures, Washington state pot and liquor stores can stay open; sales have spiked for a while

May 12th, 2020

“The construction project wasn’t delayed by the coronavirus pandemic; it was considered essential since it was state funded.”

Got it.

The state took money from some people, and gave it to some other people.

If your construction crew is working on a project based on any sort of voluntary exchange or honest demand for services, you might have to stay home for a while.

Updated Restrictions

Seems like mask and social distancing rules have been in place and have been followed in grocery stores for months now. I have not seen any retailer that let up on mask wearing and social distancing protocols. If grocery stores have been doing their part, why pound them with a 75% reduction in grocery store services?

Nov 15, 2020 KUOW

Indoor gatherings, dining banned in WA as Covid-19 cases spike. Grocery stores limited

“25% indoor capacity for all retailers, including grocery stores…”

Nov 15, 2020 Governor Jay Inslee

“One thing we don’t need right now is hoarding.”

People will now need much more time to spend shopping with a 75% reduction in grocery store services all across WA. For sure, this will encourage people to stock up and hoard items.

From comments:

“When was the last time you went to a grocery store. At 25% you’re asking for total chaos. Expecting people to stand outside in the rain waiting to be let in?”

Questions for newspeople:

How did the science tell us that a 75% reduction in grocery store services was required?

People will be waiting in long lines, in bad weather just to enter a grocery store. What is the medical advantage here?