Photo credit: Washington LSS
Extending alcohol to go options was one of the association’s top priorities during the 2023 legislative session, and we achieved that win with the passage of SSB 5448. Gov. Jay Inslee signed SSB 5448 on May 4, extending this critical revenue stream for hospitality businesses as we continue on our road to recovery.
SSB 5448 will permanently allow licensees to continue to-go orders of alcohol for on premise sales, when the purchase of alcohol is accompanied with a meal. Curbside alcohol to-go service, which is currently allowed, will no longer be allowed once SSB 5448 takes effect on July 1.
The bill will also allow any employee of a licensee with a class 12 permit to deliver alcohol to a customer’s home with purchase of food, but third-party delivery will expire in July. Delivery provisions under the bill are scheduled to sunset in 2025, and the LCB is required to submit a report to the Legislature with recommendations to include a consistent, equitable structure for alcohol delivery licenses, endorsements, permits and fees by November 2023.
The team will be engaged with the LCB through this process to make sure we have a seat at the table when recommendations are presented to the Legislature.
Gov. Jay Inslee signs SSB 5448 into law
