RCW ch. 66.24 — Revised Code of Washington Chapter 66.24 RCW — Licenses—Stamp Taxes

RCW 66.24.010 Licensure—Issuance—Conditions and restrictions—Limitations—Temporary licenses. (1) Every license must be issued in the name of the applicant, and the holder thereof may not allow any other person to use the license. (2) For the purpose of considering any application for a license, or the renewal of a license, the board may cause an inspection of the premises to be made, and may inquire into all matters in connection with the construction and operation of the premises. For the purpose of reviewing any application for a license and for considering the denial, suspension, revocation, or renewal or denial thereof, of any license, the board may consider any prior criminal conduct of the applicant including an administrative violation history record with the board and a criminal history record information check. The board may submit the criminal history record information check to the Washington state patrol and to the identification division of the federal bureau of investigation in order that these agencies may search their records for prior arrests and convictions of the individual or individuals who filled out the forms. The board must require fingerprinting of any applicant whose criminal history record information check is submitted to the federal bureau of investigation. The provisions of RCW 9.95.240 and of chapter 9.96A RCW do not apply to such cases. Subject to the provisions of this section, the board may, in its discretion, grant or deny the renewal or license applied for. Denial may be based on, without limitation, the existence of chronic illegal activity documented in objections submitted pursuant to subsections (8)(d) and (12) of this section. Authority to approve an uncontested or unopposed license may be granted by the board to any staff member the board designates in writing. Conditions for granting such authority must be adopted by rule. No retail license of any kind may be issued to: (a) A person doing business as a sole proprietor who has not resided in the state for at least one month prior to receiving a license, except in cases of licenses issued to dining places on railroads, boats, or aircraft; (b) A copartnership, unless all of the members thereof are qualified to obtain a license, as provided in this section; (c) A person whose place of business is conducted by a manager or agent, unless such manager or agent possesses the same qualifications required of the licensee; (d) A corporation or a limited liability company, unless it was created under the laws of the state of Washington or holds a certificate of authority to transact business in the state of Washington. (3)(a) The board may, in its discretion, subject to the provisions of RCW 66.08.150, suspend or cancel any license; and all rights of the licensee to keep or sell liquor thereunder must be suspended or terminated, as the case may be. (b) The board must immediately suspend the license or certificate of a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license or certificate is automatic upon the board's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the order. (c) Upon written notification by the department of revenue in accordance with RCW 82.08.155 that a person is more than thirty days delinquent in reporting or remitting spirits taxes to the department, the board must suspend all spirits licenses held by that person. The board must also refuse to renew any existing spirits license of, or issue any new spirits license to, the person or any other applicant controlled directly or indirectly by that person. The board may not reinstate a person's spirits license or renew or issue a new spirits license to that person, or an applicant controlled directly or indirectly by that person, until such time as the department of revenue notifies the board that the person is current in reporting and remitting spirits taxes or that the department consents to the reinstatement or renewal of the person's spirits license or the issuance of a new spirits license to the person. For purposes of this section: (i) "Spirits license" means any license issued by the board under the authority of this chapter that authorizes the licensee to sell spirits; and (ii) "spirits taxes" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.08.155. (d) The board may request the appointment of administrative law judges under chapter 34.12 RCW who must have power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers, books, accounts, documents, and testimony, examine witnesses, and to receive testimony in any inquiry, investigation, hearing, or proceeding in any part of the state, under such rules and regulations as the board may adopt. (e) Witnesses are allowed fees and mileage each way to and from any such inquiry, investigation, hearing, or proceeding at the rate authorized by RCW 34.05.446. Fees need not be paid in advance of appearance of witnesses to testify or to produce books, records, or other legal evidence. (f) In case of disobedience of any person to comply with the order of the board or a subpoena issued by the board, or any of its members, or administrative law judges, or on the refusal of a witness to testify to any matter regarding which he or she may be lawfully interrogated, the judge of the superior court of the county in which the person resides, on application of any member of the board or administrative law judge, must compel obedience by contempt proceedings, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from said court or a refusal to testify therein. (4) Upon receipt of notice of the suspension or cancellation of a license, the licensee must forthwith deliver up the license to the board. Where the license has been suspended only, the board must return the license to the licensee at the expiration or termination of the period of suspension. The board must notify all vendors in the city or place where the licensee has its premises of the suspension or cancellation of the license; and no employee may allow or cause any liquor to be delivered to or for any person at the premises of that licensee. (5)(a) For the original issuance of a liquor license, including the approval of a conditional license as provided in (b) of this subsection, the board must set the expiration date of the license to the last day of the calendar month that is twelve months from the calendar month in which final approval of the license is granted. Upon renewal, the expiration date of the license, including licenses approved under (b) of this subsection, may subsequently be prorated as necessary in accordance with chapter 19.02 RCW. (b)(i) When an applicant for a liquor license is qualified for approval of the license in every way except having executed a lease or purchase agreement for the proposed licensed premises, the board must grant conditional approval to the applicant. (ii) Upon notification to the board of execution of the lease or purchase agreement putting the applicant in control of the premises, the board must immediately grant final approval of the license issuance, and the licensee may immediately begin exercising all privileges provided under the license, except as otherwise provided under this title. (iii) For the purposes of this title, the term "license" includes "conditional license." (6) Every license issued under this section is subject to all conditions and restrictions imposed by this title or by rules adopted by the board. All conditions and restrictions imposed by the board in the issuance of an individual license may be listed on the face of the individual license along with the trade name, address, and expiration date. Conditions and restrictions imposed by the board may also be included in official correspondence separate from the license. All spirits licenses are subject to the condition that the spirits license holder must report and remit to the department of revenue all spirits taxes by the date due. (7) Every licensee must post and keep posted its license, or licenses, and any additional correspondence containing conditions and restrictions imposed by the board in a conspicuous place on the premises. (8)(a) Unless (b) of this subsection applies, before the board issues a new or renewal license to an applicant it must give notice of such application to the chief executive officer of the incorporated city or town, if the application is for a license within an incorporated city or town, or to the county legislative authority, if the application is for a license outside the boundaries of incorporated cities or towns. (b) If the application for a special occasion license is for an event held during a county, district, or area fair as defined by RCW 15.76.120, and the county, district, or area fair is located on property owned by the county but located within an incorporated city or town, the county legislative authority must be the entity notified by the board under (a) of this subsection. The board must send a duplicate notice to the incorporated city or town within which the fair is located. (c) The incorporated city or town through the official or employee selected by it, or the county legislative authority or the official or employee selected by it, has the right to file with the board within twenty days after the date of transmittal of such notice for applications, or at least thirty days prior to the expiration date for renewals, written objections against the applicant or against the premises for which the new or renewal license is asked. The board may extend the time period for submitting written objections. (d) The written objections must include a statement of all facts upon which such objections are based, and in case written objections are filed, the city or town or county legislative authority may request and the board may in its discretion hold a hearing subject to the applicable provisions of Title 34 RCW. If the board makes an initial decision to deny a license or renewal based on the written objections of an incorporated city or town or county legislative authority, the applicant may request a hearing subject to the applicable provisions of Title 34 RCW. If such a hearing is held at the request of the applicant, board representatives must present and defend the board's initial decision to deny a license or renewal. (e) Upon the granting of a license under this title the board must send written notification to the chief executive officer of the incorporated city or town in which the license is granted, or to the county legislative authority if the license is granted outside the boundaries of incorporated cities or towns. When the license is for a special occasion license for an event held during a county, district, or area fair as defined by RCW 15.76.120, and the county, district, or area fair is located on county-owned property but located within an incorporated city or town, the written notification must be sent to both the incorporated city or town and the county legislative authority. (9)(a) Before the board issues any license to any applicant, it shall give (i) due consideration to the location of the business to be conducted under such license with respect to the proximity of churches, schools, and public institutions and (ii) written notice, with receipt verification, of the application to public institutions identified by the board as appropriate to receive such notice, churches, and schools within five hundred feet of the premises to be licensed. The board may not issue a liquor license for either on-premises or off-premises consumption covering any premises not now licensed, if such premises are within five hundred feet of the premises of any tax-supported public elementary or secondary school measured along the most direct route over or across established public walks, streets, or other public passageway from the main entrance of the school to the nearest public entrance of the premises proposed for license, and if, after receipt by the school of the notice as provided in this subsection, the board receives written objection, within twenty days after receiving such notice, from an official representative or representatives of the school within five hundred feet of said proposed licensed premises, indicating to the board that there is an objection to the issuance of such license because of proximity to a school. The board may extend the time period for submitting objections. For the purpose of this section, "church" means a building erected for and used exclusively for religious worship and schooling or other activity in connection therewith. For the purpose of this section, "public institution" means institutions of higher education, parks, community centers, libraries, and transit centers. (b) No liquor license may be issued or reissued by the board to any motor sports facility or licensee operating within the motor sports facility unless the motor sports facility enforces a program reasonably calculated to prevent alcohol or alcoholic beverages not purchased within the facility from entering the facility and such program is approved by local law enforcement agencies. (c) It is the intent under this subsection (9) that a retail license may not be issued by the board where doing so would, in the judgment of the board, adversely affect a private school meeting the requirements for private schools under Title 28A RCW, which school is within five hundred feet of the proposed licensee. The board must fully consider and give substantial weight to objections filed by private schools. If a license is issued despite the proximity of a private school, the board must state in a letter addressed to the private school the board's reasons for issuing the license. (10) The restrictions set forth in subsection (9) of this section do not prohibit the board from authorizing the assumption of existing licenses now located within the restricted area by other persons or licenses or relocations of existing licensed premises within the restricted area. In no case may the licensed premises be moved closer to a church or school than it was before the assumption or relocation. (11)(a) Nothing in this section prohibits the board, in its discretion, from issuing a temporary retail or distributor license to an applicant to operate the retail or distributor premises during the period the application for the license is pending. The board may establish a fee for a temporary license by rule. (b) A temporary license issued by the board under this section must be for a period not to exceed sixty days. A temporary license may be extended at the discretion of the board for additional periods of sixty days upon payment of an additional fee and upon compliance with all conditions required in this section. (c) Refusal by the board to issue or extend a temporary license shall not entitle the applicant to request a hearing. A temporary license may be canceled or suspended summarily at any time if the board determines that good cause for cancellation or suspension exists. RCW 66.08.130 applies to temporary licenses. (d) Application for a temporary license must be on such form as the board shall prescribe. If an application for a temporary license is withdrawn before issuance or is refused by the board, the fee which accompanied such application must be refunded in full. (12) In determining whether to grant or deny a license or renewal of any license, the board must give substantial weight to objections from an incorporated city or town or county legislative authority based upon chronic illegal activity associated with the applicant's operations of the premises proposed to be licensed or the applicant's operation of any other licensed premises, or the conduct of the applicant's patrons inside or outside the licensed premises. "Chronic illegal activity" means (a) a pervasive pattern of activity that threatens the public health, safety, and welfare of the city, town, or county including, but not limited to, open container violations, assaults, disturbances, disorderly conduct, or other criminal law violations, or as documented in crime statistics, police reports, emergency medical response data, calls for service, field data, or similar records of a law enforcement agency for the city, town, county, or any other municipal corporation or any state agency; or (b) an unreasonably high number of citations for violations of RCW 46.61.502 associated with the applicant's or licensee's operation of any licensed premises as indicated by the reported statements given to law enforcement upon arrest. (13)(a) Nothing in this title prohibits an applicant for a liquor license from becoming licensed to operate out of a premises located on the property of a facility that includes the separate premises of other liquor licensees or other businesses. (b) The owner of a facility described in this subsection may be, but is not required to be, one of the licensees operating out of a premises at the facility. Nothing in this title prohibits a licensee who owns real property, or real and personal property, from leasing such property to other licensees or businesses and multiple licensees or businesses operating their own premises at the facility, or prohibits a licensee from leasing use of its kitchen to another person. The board shall not consider the existence of such arrangements alone to impact the licensee's ownership and control of their premises or otherwise prevent licensure. A licensee that leases use of its kitchen to another person must ensure that the other person holds all required permits, approvals, and licenses, including kitchen and food service permits required by the applicable local health department and state and local business licenses, before operating out of the kitchen. (c) The board may require submission of any lease agreement, operating agreement, and other contract in existence between licensees, businesses, and the owner of the facility, and between the different licensees and businesses at the facility, to ensure each licensee retains ownership and control over their licensed premises on the facility property. (d) Leasing agreements may not include any profit or revenue sharing, nor any requirement that the lessee serve products made by the lessor. (e) Each licensee and business must operate out of their own premises on the facility property, except as authorized under RCW 66.24.1472 or 66.24.710(7), or under (b) of this subsection (13) for leased use of kitchen facilities. (f) Nothing in this subsection: (i) Authorizes a licensee to engage in privileges not authorized under the terms of their license; (ii) Requires a licensee to obtain a liquor license for a type of activity conducted by another licensee from that other licensee's separate premises on the facility property; (iii) Shall be construed to violate RCW 66.28.305 or other provisions of this title; (iv) Authorizes a person who does not hold a liquor license to engage in any activity that requires holding a liquor license; or (v) Authorizes a person, including a lessee of a kitchen, to engage in food preparation or service without holding all required permits, approvals, and licenses, including kitchen and food service permits required by the applicable local health department and state and local business licenses. [ 2026 c 196 s 1; 2019 c 370 s 1; 2012 c 39 s 4; 2011 c 195 s 1; 2009 c 271 s 6; 2007 c 473 s 1; 2006 c 359 s 1; 2004 c 133 s 1; 2002 c 119 s 3; 1998 c 126 s 2. Prior: 1997 c 321 s 1; 1997 c 58 s 873; 1995 c 232 s 1; 1988 c 200 s 1; 1987 c 217 s 1; 1983 c 160 s 3; 1982 c 85 s 2; 1981 1st ex.s. c 5 s 10; 1981 c 67 s 31; 1974 ex.s. c 66 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 209 s 10; 1971 c 70 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 178 s 3; 1947 c 144 s 1; 1935 c 174 s 3; 1933 ex.s. c 62 s 27; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 7306-27. Formerly RCW 66.24.010, part and 66.24.020 through 66.24.100. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1937 c 217 s 1 (23U) now codified as RCW 66.24.025.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 66.24.012 License suspension—Noncompliance with support order—Reissuance. The board shall immediately suspend the license of a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order or a *residential or visitation order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license shall be automatic upon the board's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the order. [ 1997 c 58 s 862.] NOTES: *Reviser's note: RCW 66.24.013 License suspension—Electronic benefit cards. The board shall immediately suspend the license of a business that has been issued a license under RCW 66.24.330, 66.24.371, or 66.24.600 if the board receives information that the business has not complied with RCW 74.08.580(2). If the licensee has remained otherwise eligible to be licensed, the board may reinstate the suspended license when the business has complied with RCW 74.08.580(2). [ 2011 1st sp.s. c 42 s 15.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 66.24.015 Nonrefundable application fee for retail license. An application for a new annual retail license under this title shall be accompanied by payment of a nonrefundable $112.50 fee to cover expenses incurred in processing the application. If the application is approved, the application fee shall be applied toward the fee charged for the license. [ 2025 c 343 s 3; 1988 c 200 s 4.] RCW 66.24.025 Transfer of license—Fee—Exception—Corporate changes, approval—Fee. (1) If the board approves, a license may be transferred, without charge, to the surviving spouse only of a deceased licensee if the parties were maintaining a marital community and the license was issued in the names of one or both of the parties. For the purpose of considering the qualifications of the surviving party or parties to receive a liquor license, the *liquor control board may require a criminal history record information check. The board may submit the criminal history record information check to the Washington state patrol and to the identification division of the federal bureau of investigation in order that these agencies may search their records for prior arrests and convictions of the individual or individuals who filled out the forms. The board shall require fingerprinting of any applicant whose criminal history record information check is submitted to the federal bureau of investigation. (2) The proposed sale of more than ten percent of the outstanding and/or issued stock of a licensed corporation or any proposed change in the officers of a licensed corporation must be reported to the board, and board approval must be obtained before such changes are made. A fee of seventy-five dollars will be charged for the processing of such change of stock ownership and/or corporate officers. [ 2002 c 119 s 4; 1995 c 232 s 2; 1981 1st ex.s. c 5 s 11; 1973 1st ex.s. c 209 s 11; 1971 c 70 s 2; 1937 c 217 s 1 (23U) (adding new section 23-U to 1933 ex.s. c 62); RRS s 7306-23U.] NOTES: *Reviser's note: RCW 66.24.035 Combination spirits, beer, and wine license. (1) There is a license called a combination spirits, beer, and wine license, to sell wine and beer, including without limitation strong beer, at retail in bottles, cans, and original containers, not to be consumed upon the premises where sold, and to: (a) Sell spirits in original containers to consumers for consumption off the licensed premises and to permit holders; (b) Sell spirits in original containers to retailers licensed to sell spirits for consumption on the premises, for resale at their licensed premises according to the terms of their licenses; and (c) Export spirits. (2) The annual fee for the combination spirits, beer, and wine license is $2,000 for each store. (3) For the purposes of this title, a combination spirits, beer, and wine license is a retail license, and a sale by a combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee is a retail sale only if not for resale. Nothing in this title authorizes sales by on-premise licensees to other retail licensees. (4)(a) The board may issue a combination spirits, beer, and wine license: (i) For premises comprising at least 10,000 square feet of fully enclosed retail space within a single structure, including storerooms and other interior auxiliary areas but excluding covered or fenced exterior areas, whether or not attached to the structure, and only to applicants that the board determines will maintain appropriate systems for inventory management, employee training, employee supervision, and physical security of the product; (ii) For premises of a former contract liquor store; or (iii) To a holder of former state liquor store operating rights sold at auction under RCW 66.24.620. (b) License issuances and renewals are subject to RCW 66.24.010 and the regulations adopted thereunder including, without limitation, rights of cities, towns, county legislative authorities, the public, churches, schools, and public institutions to object to or prevent issuance of local liquor licenses. However, existing grocery and other retail premises over 10,000 square feet licensed to sell beer and/or wine are deemed to be premises "now licensed" under RCW 66.24.010(9)(a) for the purpose of processing applications for combination spirits, beer, and wine licenses. (c) A retailer authorized to sell spirits for consumption on or off the licensed premises may accept delivery of spirits and deliver spirits in the same manner as is provided in RCW 66.24.630(3)(d). (d) For purposes of negotiating volume discounts of spirits, a group of individual retailers authorized to sell spirits for consumption off the licensed premises may accept delivery of spirits as provided in RCW 66.24.630(3)(e). (5) Each combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee must pay to the board, for deposit into the liquor revolving fund, a license issuance fee equivalent to the license issuance fee imposed on licensees selling spirits pursuant to RCW 66.24.630(4)(a). (6) The board may not issue a combined spirits, beer, and wine license to an applicant if the applicant would qualify for a restricted license as provided in RCW 66.24.371(4) or 66.24.360(7) if the applicant had applied for a license under RCW 66.24.371 or 66.24.360 instead of pursuant to this section. (7) As a condition to receiving and renewing a combination spirits, beer, and wine license the licensee must comply with RCW 66.24.630(6). (8) The maximum penalties prescribed by the board in WAC 314-29-020 through 314-29-040 relating to fines and suspensions are doubled for violations relating to the sale of spirits by combination spirits, beer, and wine licensees. (9)(a) A combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee that joins the responsible vendor program developed by the board pursuant to RCW 66.24.630(8) and maintains all of the program's requirements is not subject to the doubling of penalties provided in this section for a single violation in any period of 12 calendar months. (b) To participate in the responsible vendor program, a combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee must submit an application form to the board. If the application establishes that the combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee meets the qualifications to join the program, the board must send the licensee a membership certificate. (c) A combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee participating in the responsible vendor program must meet the requirements in RCW 66.24.630(8)(e) and comply with board rules adopted to implement RCW 66.24.630(8). (10)(a) Any endorsement available to the holder of a license issued pursuant to RCW 66.24.360 or 66.24.371 is available, upon board approval and pursuant to board rules, to a combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee, provided that the combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee would qualify for a license and the endorsement under RCW 66.24.360 or 66.24.371, as applicable, had the licensee applied for a license and endorsement pursuant to RCW 66.24.360, 66.24.363, or 66.24.371, as applicable, instead of the combination spirits, beer, and wine license pursuant to this section. A combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee with an endorsement issued pursuant to this subsection must comply with the requirements of the endorsement to the same extent as if the endorsement was issued pursuant to RCW 66.24.360, 66.24.363, or 66.24.371, as applicable. (b) A combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee may conduct sampling in accordance with: (i) RCW 66.24.371(2) if the combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee would qualify for a license under RCW 66.24.371; or (ii) RCW 66.24.363 if the combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee would qualify for a license under RCW 66.24.360. (11) Licensees holding a combination spirits, beer, and wine license must maintain either: (a) A minimum $3,000 inventory of food products for human consumption, not including pop, beer, strong beer, wine, or spirits; or (b) A minimum $3,000 wholesale inventory of beer, strong beer, and/or wine. (12) A combination spirits, beer, and wine licensee holding a snack bar license under RCW 66.24.350 may receive an endorsement to allow the sale of confections containing more than one percent but not more than 10 percent alcohol by weight to persons 21 years of age or older. (13) The board may adopt rules to implement this section. [ 2025 c 343 s 4; 2025 c 95 s 1; 2017 c 96 s 1.] NOTES: Reviser's note: RCW 66.24.055 Spirits distributor license. (1) There is a license for spirits distributors to (a) sell spirits purchased from manufacturers, distillers, or suppliers including, without limitation, licensed Washington distilleries, licensed spirits importers, other Washington spirits distributors, or suppliers of foreign spirits located outside of the United States, to spirits retailers including, without limitation, spirits retail licensees, special occasion license holders, interstate common carrier license holders, restaurant spirits retailer license holders, spirits, beer, and wine private club license holders, hotel license holders, sports entertainment facility license holders, and spirits, beer, and wine nightclub license holders, and to other spirits distributors; and (b) export the same from the state. (2)(a) As limited by (b) of this subsection, each spirits distributor licensee must pay to the board, for deposit into the liquor revolving fund, a license issuance fee calculated as follows: (i) In each of the first 27 months of licensure, 10 percent of the total revenue from all the licensee's sales of spirits made during the month for which the fee is due, respectively; and (ii) In the 28th month of licensure and each month thereafter, five percent of the total revenue from all the licensee's sales of spirits made during the month for which the fee is due, respectively. (b) The fee required under this subsection (2) is calculated only on sales of items which the licensee was the first spirits distributor in the state to have received: (i) In the case of spirits manufactured in the state, from the distiller; or (ii) In the case of spirits manufactured outside the state, from an authorized out-of-state supplier. (c) A retail licensee selling for resale must pay a distributor license fee under the terms and conditions in this section on resales of spirits the licensee has purchased on which no other distributor license fee has been paid. The board must establish rules setting forth the frequency and timing of such payments and reporting of sales dollar volume by the licensee, with payments due quarterly in arrears. (d) No spirits inventory may be subject to calculation of more than a single spirits distributor license issuance fee. (3) In addition to the payment set forth in subsection (2) of this section, each spirits distributor licensee renewing its annual license must pay an annual license renewal fee of $1,980 for each licensed location. (4) There is no minimum facility size or capacity for spirits distributor licenses, and no limit on the number of such licenses issued to qualified applicants. License applicants must provide physical security of the product that is substantially as effective as the physical security of the distribution facilities currently operated by the board with respect to preventing pilferage. License issuances and renewals are subject to RCW 66.24.010 and the regulations promulgated thereunder, including without limitation rights of cities, towns, county legislative authorities, the public, churches, schools, and public institutions to object to or prevent issuance of local liquor licenses. However, existing distributor premises licensed to sell beer and/or wine are deemed to be premises "now licensed" under RCW 66.24.010(9)(a) for the purpose of processing applications for spirits distributor licenses. [ 2025 c 343 s 5; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 12 s 1; 2012 c 2 s 105 (Initiative Measure No. 1183, approved November 8, 2011).] NOTES: Application— RCW 66.24.065 Spirits license fee distribution. The distribution of spirits license fees under RCW 66.24.630 and 66.24.055 through the liquor revolving fund to border areas, counties, cities, towns, and the municipal research center must be made in a manner that provides that each category of recipients receive, in the aggregate, no less than it received from the liquor revolving fund during comparable periods prior to December 8, 2011. An additional distribution of ten million dollars per year from the spirits license fees must be provided to border areas, counties, cities, and towns through the liquor revolving fund for the purpose of enhancing public safety programs. [ 2012 c 2 s 302 (Initiative Measure No. 1183, approved November 8, 2011).] NOTES: Finding— RCW 66.24.120 Vacation of suspension on payment of penalty. The board in suspending any license may further provide in the order of suspension that such suspension shall be vacated upon payment to the board by the licensee of a monetary penalty in an amount then fixed by the board. [ 1973 1st ex.s. c 209 s 12; 1939 c 172 s 7 (adding new section 27-C to 1933 ex.s. c 62); RRS s 7306-27C.] NOTES: Severability— RCW 66.24.140 Distiller's license—Fee—On-premises and off-premises consumption—Tasting room age restrictions. (1) There is a license to distillers, including blending, rectifying, and bottling; fee $2,100 per annum, unless provided otherwise as follows: (a) For distillers producing 150,000 gallons or less of spirits with at least half of the raw materials used in the production grown in Washington, the license fee must be reduced to $150 per annum; (b) The board must license stills used and to be used solely and only by a commercial chemist for laboratory purposes, and not for the manufacture of liquor for sale, at a fee of $30 per annum; (c) The board must license stills used and to be used solely and only for laboratory purposes in any school, college, or educational institution in the state, without fee; and (d) The board must license stills that have been duly licensed as fruit and/or wine distilleries by the federal government, used and to be used solely as fruit and/or wine distilleries in the production of fruit brandy and wine spirits, at a fee of $300 per annum. (2) Any distillery licensed under this section may: (a) Sell, for off-premises consumption, spirits of the distillery's own production, spirits produced by another distillery or craft distillery licensed in this state, or vermouth or sparkling wine products produced by a licensee in this state. A distillery selling spirits or other alcohol authorized under this subsection must comply with the applicable laws and rules relating to retailers for those products; (b) Contract distilled spirits for, and sell contract distilled spirits to, holders of distillers' or manufacturers' licenses, including licenses issued under RCW 66.24.520, or for export; and (c) Serve samples of spirits for free or for a charge, and sell servings of spirits, vermouth, and sparkling wine to customers for on-premises consumption, at the premises of the distillery indoors, outdoors, or in any combination thereof, and at the distillery's off-site tasting rooms in accordance with this chapter, subject to the following conditions: (i) A distillery may provide to customers, for free or for a charge, for on-premises consumption, spirits samples that are .5 ounce or less per sample of spirits, and that may be adulterated with water, ice, other alcohol entitled to be served or sold on the licensed premises under this section, or nonalcoholic mixers; (ii) A distillery may sell, for on-premises consumption, servings of spirits of the distillery's own production or spirits produced by another distillery or craft distillery licensed in this state, which must be adulterated with water, ice, other alcohol entitled to be sold or served on the licensed premises, or nonalcoholic mixers if the revenue derived from the sale of spirits for on-premises consumption under this subsection (2)(c)(ii) does not comprise more than 30 percent of the overall gross revenue earned in the tasting room during the calendar year. Any distiller who sells adulterated products under this subsection, must file an annual report with the board that summarizes the distiller's revenue sources; and (iii) A distillery may sell, for on-premises consumption, servings of vermouth or sparkling wine products produced by a licensee in this state. (3)(a) If a distillery provides or sells spirits or other alcohol products authorized to be sold or provided to customers for on-premises or off-premises consumption that are produced by another distillery, craft distillery, or licensee in this state, then at any one time no more than 25 percent of the alcohol stock-keeping units offered or sold by the distillery at its distillery premises and at any off-site tasting rooms licensed under RCW 66.24.146 may be vermouth, sparkling wine, or spirits made by another distillery, craft distillery, or licensee in this state. If a distillery sells fewer than 20 alcohol stock-keeping units of products of its own production, it may sell up to five alcohol stock-keeping units of vermouth, sparkling wine, or spirits produced by another distillery, craft distillery, or licensee in this state. (b) A person is limited to receiving or purchasing, for on-premises consumption, no more than two ounces total of spirits that are unadulterated. Any additional spirits purchased for on-premises consumption must be adulterated as authorized in this section. (c)(i) No person under 21 years of age may be on the premises of a distillery tasting room, including an off-site tasting room licensed under RCW 66.24.146, unless they are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. (ii) Every distillery tasting room, including the off-site tasting rooms licensed under RCW 66.24.146, where alcohol is sampled, sold, or served, must include a designated area where persons under 21 years of age are allowed to enter. Such location may be in a separate room or a designated area within the tasting room separated from the remainder of the tasting room space as authorized by the board. (iii) Except for (c)(iv) of this subsection, or an event where a private party has secured a private banquet permit, no person under 21 years of age may be on the distillery premises, or the off-site tasting rooms licensed under RCW 66.24.146, past 9:00 p.m. (iv) Notwithstanding the limitations of (c)(iii) of this subsection, persons under 21 years of age who are children of owners, operators, or managers of a distillery or an off-site tasting room licensed under RCW 66.24.146, may be in any area of a distillery, tasting room, or an off-site tasting room licensed under RCW 66.24.146, provided they must be under the direct supervision of their parent or legal guardian while on the premises. (d) Any person serving or selling spirits or other alcohol authorized to be served or sold by a distillery must obtain a class 12 alcohol server permit. (e) A distillery may sell nonalcoholic products at retail. [ 2025 c 343 s 6; (2022 c 116 s 7 expired December 31, 2023); 2021 c 6 s 1; 2020 c 238 s 1; 2017 c 260 s 1; 2015 c 194 s 1; 2014 c 92 s 4; 2010 c 290 s 1; 2008 c 94 s 1; 1981 1st ex.s. c 5 s 28; 1937 c 217 s 1 (23D) (adding new section 23-D to 1933 ex.s. c 62); RRS s 7306-23D.] NOTES: Expiration date— RCW 66.24.145 Craft distillery—On-premises and off-premises consumption—Tasting room age restrictions. (1)(a) Any craft distillery may sell, for off-premises consumption, spirits of its own production, spirits produced by another craft distillery or distillery licensed in this state, and vermouth and sparkling wine products produced by a licensee in this state. (b) A craft distillery selling spirits or other alcohol authorized under this subsection must comply with the applicable laws and rules relating to retailers for those products. (2) Any craft distillery may contract distilled spirits for, and sell contract distilled spirits to, holders of distillers' or manufacturers' licenses, including licenses issued under RCW 66.24.520, or for export. (3) Any craft distillery licensed under this section may serve samples of spirits for free or for a charge, and sell servings of spirits, vermouth, and sparkling wine products to customers for on-premises consumption, at the premises of the distillery indoors, outdoors, or in any combination thereof, and at the distillery's off-site tasting rooms, in accordance with this chapter, subject to the following conditions: (a) A craft distillery may provide to customers, for free or for a charge, for on-premises consumption, spirits samples that are one-half ounce or less per sample of spirits, and that may be adulterated with water, ice, other alcohol entitled to be sold or served on the licensed premises, or nonalcoholic mixers; (b) A craft distillery may sell, for on-premises consumption, servings of spirits of the craft distillery's own production and spirits produced by another distillery, craft distillery, or licensee in this state, which must be adulterated with water, ice, other alcohol entitled to be sold or served on the licensed premises, or nonalcoholic mixers if the revenue derived from the sale of spirits for on-premises consumption under this subsection (3)(b) does not comprise more than thirty percent of the overall gross revenue earned in the tasting room during the calendar year. Any distiller who sells adulterated products under this subsection, must file an annual report with the board that summarizes the distiller's revenue sources; and (c) A distillery may sell, for on-premises consumption, servings of vermouth or sparkling wine products produced by a licensee in this state. (4)(a) If a craft distillery provides or sells spirits or other alcohol products authorized to be sold or provided to customers for on-premises or off-premises consumption that are produced by another distillery, craft distillery, or licensee in this state, then at any one time no more than twenty-five percent of the alcohol stock-keeping units offered or sold by the craft distillery at its craft distillery premises and at any off-site tasting rooms licensed under RCW 66.24.146 may be vermouth, sparkling wine, or spirits produced by another distillery, craft distillery, or licensee in this state. If a distillery sells fewer than twenty alcohol stock-keeping units of products of its own production, it may sell up to five alcohol stock-keeping units of vermouth, sparkling wine, or spirits produced by another distillery, craft distillery, or licensee in this state. (b) A person is limited to receiving or purchasing, for on-premises consumption, no more than two ounces total of spirits that are unadulterated. Any additional spirits purchased for on-premises consumption must be adulterated. (c) Any person serving or selling spirits or other alcohol authorized to be served or sold by a craft distillery must obtain a class 12 alcohol server permit. (5) The board must adopt rules to implement the alcohol server permit requirement and may adopt additional rules to implement this section. (6) Distilling is an agricultural practice. (7)(a) No person under twenty-one years of age may be on the premises of a craft distillery tasting room, including an off-site tasting room licensed under RCW 66.24.146, unless they are accompanied by their parent or guardian. (b) Every craft distillery tasting room, including the off-site tasting rooms licensed under RCW 66.24.146, where alcohol is sampled, sold, or served, must include a designated area where persons under twenty-one years of age are allowed to enter. Such location may be in a separate room or a designated area within the tasting room separated from the remainder of the tasting room space as authorized by the board. (c) Except for (d) of this subsection, or an event where a private party has secured a private banquet permit, no person under twenty-one years of age may be on the distillery premises, or the off-site tasting rooms licensed under RCW 66.24.146, past 9:00 p.m. (d) Notwithstanding the limitations in (c) of this subsection, persons under twenty-one years of age who are children of owners, operators, or managers of a craft distillery or an off-site tasting room licensed under RCW 66.24.146, may be in any area of a licensed craft distillery, tasting room, or an off-site tasting room licensed under RCW 66.24.146, provided they must be under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian while on the premises. (8) A craft distillery may sell nonalcoholic products at retail. [ 2020 c 238 s 2; 2015 c 194 s 2; 2014 c 92 s 1; 2013 c 98 s 1; 2012 c 2 s 205 (Initiative Measure No. 1183, approved November 8, 2011); 2010 c 290 s 2; 2008 c 94 s 2.] NOTES: Finding— RCW 66.24.146 Tasting room license. (1) There is a tasting room license available to distillery and craft distillery licensees. A tasting room license authorizes the operation of an off-site tasting room, in addition to a tasting room attached to the distillery's or craft distillery's production facility, at which the licensee may sample, serve, and sell spirits and alcohol products authorized to be sampled, served, and sold under RCW 66.24.140 and 66.24.145, for on-premises and off-premises consumption, subject to the same limitations as provided in RCW 66.24.140 and 66.24.145. (2) A distillery or craft distillery licensed production facility is eligible for no more than two off-site tasting room licenses located in this state, which may be indoors, or outdoors or a combination thereof, and which shall be administratively tied to a licensed production facility. A separate license is required for the operation of each off-site tasting room. The fee for each off-site tasting room license is $2,100 per annum. No additional license is required for a distillery or craft distillery to sample, serve, and sell spirits and alcohol to customers in a tasting room on the distillery or craft distillery premises as authorized under this section, RCW 66.24.1472, 66.24.140, 66.24.145, 66.28.040, 66.24.630, and 66.28.310. Off-site tasting rooms may have a section identified and segregated as federally bonded spaces for the storage of bulk or packaged spirits. Product of the licensee's production may be bottled or packaged in the space. [ 2025 c 343 s 7; (2022 c 116 s 8 expired December 31, 2023); 2021 c 6 s 2; 2020 c 238 s 3.] NOTES: Expiration date— RCW 66.24.1471 Distilleries, craft distilleries, off-site tasting rooms—Food offerings required—Rules. (1) A distillery licensed under RCW 66.24.140 or 66.24.145, or an off-site tasting room authorized under RCW 66.24.146, must provide, for free or for a charge, food offerings to customers during public service hours. For the purposes of this section, "food offerings" means a combination of small serving food items to include a mix of hors d'oeuvre type foods, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, deli-style meats, chips, pretzels, nuts, popcorn, crackers, or similar items. (2) A distillery providing food offerings under this section must comply with the local city or county health requirements for such level of service. (3) In addition to the food offerings requirement in subsection (1) of this section, distillers and craft distillers shall post, in a conspicuous place within any tasting room, a list of at least five local restaurants or food trucks where customers can purchase food for consumption in the tasting room. The list shall include names, addresses, contact information, and hours of operation for each restaurant or food truck named. (4) Distilleries that have secured spirits, beer, and wine retail license privileges under RCW 66.24.400 shall not allow customers to bring in food from outside restaurants or food trucks and are not subject to the provision of subsections (1) and (3) of this section. (5) Requirements for food offerings shall be determined by the board in rule. The rules for food offerings shall: (a) Include the ability for such food to be prepackaged for individual sale and consumption; (b) Allow food offerings to be preprepared off-site for plating for the customer; (c) Not require any warming, cooking, or heating off-site or on-site prior to service; and (d) Not require the installation, maintenance, or use of any food heating device or apparatus to prepare any food offerings. (6) A distillery licensed under RCW 66.24.140 or 66.24.145, or an off-site tasting room authorized under RCW 66.24.146, may install and use any type of commercial heating device or element to heat food offerings under this section without impacting their privileges under chapter 238, Laws of 2020. [ 2020 c 238 s 4.] RCW 66.24.1472 Jointly operated off-site tasting rooms—Jointly operated consumption areas. (1) Of the off-site tasting rooms allowed in this chapter, any distillery, craft distillery, domestic winery, or any combination of licensees thereof, licensed under this chapter may jointly occupy and co-operate up to two off-site locations, which may be indoors, outdoors, or a combination thereof, at which they may sample, serve, and sell products of their own production and products authorized to be sampled, served, and sold under the terms of their license. The licensees must maintain separate storage of products and separate financials. The distillery or craft distillery tasting rooms referenced in this section shall be the off-site tasting rooms allowed, and have the privileges and limitations provided in this chapter. This section does not create additional numbers of authorized tasting rooms beyond what is authorized by this section, RCW 66.24.146, and in RCW 66.24.140, 66.24.145, 66.28.040, 66.24.630, and 66.28.310. (2) Any domestic brewery, microbrewery, domestic winery, distillery, or craft distillery licensed under this chapter, or any combination of licensees thereof, whose property parcels or buildings are located in direct physical proximity to one another may share a standing or seated tasting area for patrons to use, which may be indoors, outdoors, or a combination thereof. Each licensee may sample, serve, and sell products the licensee is authorized to sample, serve, and sell under the terms of its license, for on-premises consumption in the jointly operated consumption area. Each licensee must use distinctly marked glassware or serving containers to identify the source of any product being consumed. The distillery or craft distillery tasting rooms shall be the on-site or off-site tasting rooms allowed, and have the privileges and limitations provided in this chapter. (3) Licensees operating under this section must comply with the applicable laws and rules relating to retailers. (4) Licensees operating under this section must comply with all applicable laws and rules relating to sampling and serving, as may be allowed by their license type. (5) All licensees who participate in: (a) A jointly operated off-premises location allowed under subsection (1) of this section, or (b) A conjoined consumption area allowed under subsection (2) of this section must share staffing resources. All participating licensees shall be jointly responsible for any violation or enforcement issues unless it can be demonstrated that the violation or enforcement issue was due to one or more licensee's specific conduct or action, in which case the violation or enforcement applies only to those identified licensees. (6) Every person who participates in any manner in the sale or service of samples or servings of spirits must obtain a class 12 alcohol server permit. Every person who participates in any manner in the sale or service of samples or servings of beer and wine must obtain a class 12 or class 13 alcohol server permit. [ 2020 c 238 s 5.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 66.24.1473 Off-site tasting rooms—Number of licenses. (1) The number of licenses allowed to be issued for off-site tasting rooms authorized under RCW 66.24.146 shall not exceed one hundred fifty. (2) The limitations in subsection (1) of this section do not apply to an off-site tasting room authorized under RCW 66.24.146 that has been granted a license under RCW 66.24.400. [ 2020 c 238 s 6.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 66.24.1474 Distilleries, craft distilleries, off-site tasting rooms—Obtaining a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license. Nothing in this chapter prohibits a distillery licensed under RCW 66.24.140 or 66.24.145, or an off-site tasting room licensed under RCW 66.24.146, from obtaining a license under RCW 66.24.400 for the same premises. [ 2020 c 238 s 7.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 66.24.148 Distilleries, craft distilleries, off-site tasting rooms—Rules. The board may adopt rules to implement chapter 238, Laws of 2020. [ 2020 c 238 s 12.] RCW 66.24.150 Manufacturer's license—Scope—Fee. (1) There shall be a license to manufacturers of liquor, including all kinds of manufacturers except those licensed as distillers, domestic brewers, microbreweries, wineries, and domestic wineries, authorizing such licensees to manufacture, import, sell, and export liquor from the state; fee $750 per annum. (2) Manufacturers licensed under this section may contract with licensed liquor distillers, craft distillers, domestic brewers, microbreweries, wineries, and domestic wineries to provide packaging services that include, but are not limited to: (a) Canning, bottling, and bagging of alcoholic beverages; (b) Mixing products before packaging; and (c) Receiving and returning products to the originating liquor licensed businesses as part of a contract. (3) Holders of a manufacturer's license: (a) May contract with other nonliquor licensed businesses if the contract does not include alcohol products; (b) May not contract directly or indirectly with any retail liquor licensee for the sale of alcohol products, unless they are medicinal, culinary, or toilet preparations not usable as beverages, as described in RCW 66.12.070; (c) May not engage in direct liquor sales to retail liquor licensees, except for the sale of alcohol products described in RCW 66.12.070; and (d) May not mix or infuse THC, CBD, or any other cannabinoid into any products containing alcohol. [ 2025 c 343 s 8; 2019 c 156 s 1; 1997 c 321 s 2; 1981 1st ex.s. c 5 s 29; 1937 c 217 s 1 (23A) (adding new section 23-A to 1933 ex.s. c 62); RRS s 7306-23A.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 66.24.155 Alcohol manufacturers—Ancillary activities—Penalties. (1) The state liquor and cannabis board must, by rule, adopt a schedule of penalties for a licensed alcohol manufacturer who has committed a violation as part of the licensee's ancillary activities. (2)(a) The schedule of penalties adopted under subsection (1) of this section may include: (i) The issuance of a monetary penalty; (ii) The suspension, revocation, or cancellation of the licensee's ability to conduct ancillary activities; or (iii) A monetary option in lieu of suspension or revocation. (b) The schedule of penalties may not include the issuance of a suspension, revocation, or cancellation of an alcohol manufacturer's license and may not exceed the schedule of penalties for a similar violation committed by a retail licensee. (3) For the purposes of this section, "ancillary activities" means the licensee's activities involving the public, as authorized by statute or by state liquor and cannabis board rule, relating to serving samples, operating a tasting room, conducting retail sales, serving alcohol under a restaurant license issued under this chapter, or serving alcohol with a special occasion license. [ 2018 c 25 s 1.] RCW 66.24.160 Spirits importer's license—Fee. A spirits importer's license may be issued to any qualified person, firm or corporation, entitling the holder thereof to import into the state any liquor other than beer or wine; to store the same within the state, and to sell and export the same from the state; fee $2,100 per annum. Such spirits importer's license is subject to all conditions and restrictions imposed by this title or by the rules and regulations of the board, and is issued only upon such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the board. [ 2025 c 343 s 9; 2012 c 2 s 207 (Initiative Measure No. 1183, approved November 8, 2011); 1981 1st ex.s. c 5 s 30; 1970 ex.s. c 13 s 1. Prior: 1969 ex.s. c 275 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 21 s 1; 1937 c 217 s 1 (23J) (adding new section 23-J to 1933 ex.s. c 62); RRS s 7306 (23J).] NOTES: Finding— RCW 66.24.165 Local wine industry association license—Fee. (1) There is a retail license to be designated as the local wine industry association license to be issued to a nonprofit society or organization specifically created with the express purpose of encouraging consumer education of and promoting the economic development for a designated area of the Washington state wine industry. (2) The local wine industry association licensee may purchase or receive donations of wine from domestic winery licensees and certificate of approval holders and use such wine for promotional or marketing purposes. Events or marketing programs conducted by the local wine industry association licensee may be held on domestic winery premises, including the premises of additional locations authorized under RCW 66.24.170(4), as long as the domestic winery and the local wine industry association licensee each separately account for the sales of its wine. Domestic wineries and additional locations authorized under RCW 66.24.170(4) are not subject to the restrictions of RCW 66.28.305, but only while participating in an event or marketing program conducted by the holder of this license. (3) The holder of the local wine industry association license must notify the board of any event or marketing program conducted under the license at least 45 days before the event or start of the marketing program. (4) The annual fee for the local wine industry association license is $700 per calendar year. (5) Nothing in this section prohibits the holder of the local wine industry association license access to the special occasion license under RCW 66.24.380 or special permits under RCW 66.20.010. (6) Wine furnished to a nonprofit society under this section is subject to the taxes imposed under RCW 66.24.210. (7) A licensee under this section may conduct no more than 12 events per year. (8) All licensees participating in an event or marketing program conducted under a license issued under this sect