- General Liquor Laws
- Apparently Intoxicated Customers
- Employing Minors
- Alcohol Sampling Requirements
- Advertising
- Alcohol Impact Areas
General Liquor Laws
During what hours can I sell or serve alcohol?
Alcohol can only be sold between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. WAC 314-11-070
Can licensees or employees drink alcohol when the business is closed?
No. Businesses must be open to the public whenever alcohol is sold or consumed. Off-premises licensees are not allowed on-premises alcohol consumption, unless offering spirit samples at their location. WAC 314-11-072
Does State law require ID checking when selling alcohol or tobacco?
No. ID checks are not required by state liquor laws, but a valid ID must be presented when requested by store employees, peace officers (such as a sheriff or police officer), or LCB officers. WAC 314-020
Can I sell alcohol to a parent who is accompanied by a minor child?
Yes. If a customer shows no signs of intoxication, there is no law against selling alcohol to someone who is 21 or older . However, a store has the right to refuse sales or service if they do not want to take an unnecessary risk, or to prevent alcohol being given to minors. WAC 314-16-150
Can a liquor licensee or store employee have a concealed weapon on the liquor-licensed premises?
Yes. Licensees and their employees in this state may have a concealed weapon while they are at work. RCW 9.41.300 (10)
Can someone with a disability purchase, possess, or consume alcohol?
Yes. People with disabilities are allowed to buy, have, and consume alcohol under the same conditions and rules as anyone else. WAC 314-16-150
Are grocery stores required to bag alcohol products?
No. It is normally done as a courtesy; just as other groceries are bagged.
What are the required signs for a Grocery Store or other off-premise licensed business?
- Their business license with appropriate endorsements. WAC 314-11-060
- If they are in the RVP, their RVP certificate must be posted at the main public entry WAC 314-02-108 and WAC 314-02-1081.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) sign posted either at every point of sale, the entrance to the premises, or at each display of alcohol. WAC 314-11-060
- A tobacco warning sign must be posted at the check stand if selling tobacco WAC 314-11-060.
Is a liquor licensee responsible if their employees sell alcohol to someone under 21 years of age?
Yes. The licensee is responsible for the acts of their employees WAC 314-11-015 (1).
Am I responsible for the fights that happen in my business, including in the parking lot?
Yes. A liquor licensee is responsible for the licensed business and any area under their control. A licensee can't allow any disorderly conduct in the licensed business or the connected property owned or leased by the licensee WAC 314-11-015
Minor Employment and Duties
Is an employee under the age of 21 allowed to handle alcohol?
Employees 18 - 20 years old may sell, stock, and handle alcohol on a retail premises, if there is a supervisor who is 21 or older on store premises. There must be at least one employee who is 21 or older on site at a grocery store (selling beer and wine). A Spirits Retailer must have at least two employees 21 or older on site. WAC 314-11-040
Is there an age requirement to help customers take their alcohol products to their car?
No. There are no liquor laws preventing an employee from taking alcohol to the vehicle if the customer is over 21. Labor laws set age requirements for store employees. WAC 314-11-040
Alcohol Sampling Requirements
May I give away alcohol for free?
No. Retailers may not sell liquor below its purchase cost. WAC 314-11-085
Some license types or endorsements allow alcohol sampling. The requirements to provide alcohol sampling or tastings are below.
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Beer and Wine Specialty Shop alcohol sampling: WAC 314-02-105
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Grocery Store alcohol sampling: WAC 314-02-102
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Spirits Retailers alcohol tasting: WAC 314-02-106
What are the advertisement restrictions for tastings at a grocery store?
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Advertising “free” alcohol is not allowed. WAC 314-52-110
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Signs advertising beer and wine tastings may not be placed in windows or outside the business in areas that can be seen from the public right of way. WAC 314-02-102(2)(b)
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A licensee may advertise a tasting event only inside the store, on the store website, in store newsletters and flyers, emails, or by mail to customers who have asked to get notice of events. Advertising may not be targeted to or appeal to youth. RCW 66.24.363(6)
Apparently Intoxicated Customer
What does “apparently under the influence” mean?
If you see a person with two or more signs of intoxication, consider the person “apparently under the influence” and refuse the sale.
Can an intoxicated person remain in a licensed premises?
Yes, as long as they are not allowed to drink, buy, or have alcohol and they are not disorderly. WAC 314-11-035
Alcohol Impact Area
What is an Alcohol Impact Area?
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A geographic area located inside a city, town or county that is adversely affected by problematic public intoxication or illegal activity linked to liquor sales or consumption. The LCB may put special conditions or restrictions on off-premises sales privileges, liquor products, applicants, license assumptions, or licensees that sell liquor for off-premises consumption.
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Alcohol Impact Area boundaries are defined in WAC 314-12-215.
Advertising
Where can I find details on the rules for advertising and “money’s worth” for manufacturers, importers, and wholesaler?
- Outdoor advertising requirements: WAC 314-52-070
- Joint events between retailer and manufacturer, importer and distributors: WAC 314-52-090
- Brand signs and point-of-sale advertising: WAC 314-52-113
- Advertising by retail licensee (e.g. using trade name, no advertising below cost) WAC 314-52-110
- Premiums, coupons, contests WAC 314-52-040
Responsible Vendor Program
Where can I find out more information regarding the Responsible Vendor Program?
- Selling Spirits for Off-Premises Consumption Program WAC 314-02-108
- Selling Beer and Wine for Off-Premises Consumption Program WAC 314-02-1081