Beer Growler in Ice Bucket

New alcohol-to-go laws and rules are in effect starting July 1, 2023.

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 to recover.

SSB 5448 permanently allows licensees to continue to-go orders of alcohol for on-premise sales when a meal accompanies the purchase of alcohol.

Two important changes from the previous alcohol-to-go laws include:

  • Curbside alcohol to-go service is no longer allowed. Customers who purchase to-go alcohol with their meal must pick up their order inside the business.
  • Third-party alcohol delivery is no longer allowed. However, employees of the business with a class 12 permit are allowed to deliver alcohol to a customer’s home with the purchase of food. The employee delivering the alcohol must verify that the person receiving the alcohol is 21 years of age or older and obtain their signature. Alcohol products may not be left unattended. Delivery may not be made to intoxicated persons.

These new delivery provisions are scheduled to sunset in 2025.

REQUIRED ENDORSEMENTS

Businesses looking to offer alcohol to-go service must apply and receive approval for an endorsement from the LCB. There are three separate endorsements you can apply for. You can download the Application for Temporary Added Endorsement here.

Factory Sealed Bottles, Cans and Kegs, which authorizes the sale of alcohol products in factory or manufacturer-sealed containers (bottles, cans and kegs) via takeout service, delivery, or both.

  • Alcohol products must be sold in closed, factory or manufacturer-sealed packages or containers such as cans, bottles and kegs. Licensees may only sell the types of manufacturer-sealed alcohol products they are authorized to sell under the terms of their license.
  • If the alcohol product is enclosed in a bag, box, or other packaging, the exterior of the packaging must be marked with the words “CONTAINS ALCOHOL FOR PERSONS 21+.” Producers (breweries, wineries, and distilleries) selling alcohol products are exempt from this requirement.
  • Signs regarding public consumption and transportation of alcohol products sold via takeout or delivery will be provided electronically by the WSLCB and must be posted at the main entrance and areas of the premises where alcohol products are sold.

Growlers, which authorizes the sale of growlers via takeout service, delivery, or both.

  • Growlers must be filled at the tap by the licensee at the time of sale, except that beer and wine specialty shops and breweries can prefill growlers.
  • Signs regarding public consumption and transportation of alcohol products sold via takeout or delivery will be provided electronically by the WSLCB. They must be posted at the main entrance and areas of the premises where alcohol products are sold.

Premixed Cocktails, Wine To-Go, which authorizes the sale of premixed cocktails, wine by the glass, premixed wine and spirits cocktails, or premixed wine drinks via takeout service, delivery, or both. Note: This endorsement does not authorize the sale of full bottles of spirits for off-premises consumption.

  • For SBW restaurants, a complete meal must be sold with the premixed cocktail, wine, etc. Up to 3 ounces of spirits may be sold per complete meal. For BW restaurants, a minimum food service item must be sold with the wine or premixed wine drink.
  • The premixed cocktails, wine, etc., must be packaged in containers that are sealed in a manner designed to prevent consumption without removal of a tamper-evident lid, cap, or seal. A non-comprehensive list of examples is provided.
  • The individual delivery containers must be clearly marked or labelled with the words “CONTAINS ALCOHOL, FOR PERSONS 21+”. If the individual delivery containers are enclosed in a bag, box, or other packaging, the exterior of the packaging must be marked with the words “CONTAINS ALCOHOL, FOR PERSONS 21+.”
  • Signs regarding public consumption and transportation of alcohol products sold through takeout or delivery will be provided electronically by the WSLCB and must be posted at the main entrance and areas of the premises where alcohol products are sold.