A young Saanich man threatened a liquor store clerk with a gun Saturday night after she refused to sell him Swedish vodka because she suspected he was intoxicated.

The 20-year-old man purchased alcohol from Metro Liquor in Tuscany Village early in the evening Saturday. He returned a few hours later, slurring his words and "not steady on his feet," police say.

When he tried to purchase a bottle of vodka, the clerk denied him service. Under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, a person "must not sell or give liquor to an intoxicated person or a person apparently under the influence of liquor."

The man became frustrated and attempted to negotiate with the clerk for a few minutes.

When that proved unsuccessful, he put his hand in the back of his pants, and threatened the clerk with a gun if she didnB次元官网网址檛 sell him his booze of choice. No weapon was ever produced.

The clerk once again refused and the upset man grabbed a bottle of vodka, knocking another onto the floor. He tossed some money on the ground and fled.

Saanich police were called and began searching for the man.

While an officer was speaking with the clerk and getting a description of the suspect, the officer spotted the suspect walking just outside the store.

The patrol officer arrested the 20-year-old, who now faces one count of robbery.

kslavin@saanichnews.com