Alcohol to-go: Frequently asked questions
Washington state expanded alcohol rules to allow to-go service until July 1, 2023. Businesses that want to provide alcohol to-go service must first receive approval by filling out and submitting an endorsement application to the state Liquor and Cannabis Board.
There are several public safety laws and rules regulating alcohol to-go service. You can learn more about these regulations by watching our webinar with the LCB, reviewing our Alcohol to go toolkit, and the FAQs below.
The Government Affairs team is actively working to make alcohol to-go a permanent service option for hospitality businesses. Senate Bill 5448 is working its way through the legislative process. Learn how you can help get this bill to the governor’s desk by visiting our Hill Climb website or by contacting our GA team.
Q: Some wineries have been told by third-party companies to put “Contains Alcohol” stickers on the bags. Is this required?
A: Yes, that is correct. If you are using delivery, the labeling must be on the package. The exemption is for takeout service only for breweries, wineries and distilleries – they do not need to label bags or containers for takeout service.
Q: What alcohol to-go products can be delivered using a third-party delivery service?
A: Third-party delivery is allowed for manufactured sealed containers only. You cannot use a third party to deliver growlers or pre-mixed drinks.
Q: Can I fulfill alcohol to-go orders through our drive thru window?
A: No. Alcohol to-go orders must be picked up inside the business or delivered through curbside service.
Q: What is the maximum amount of spirits that can be sold?
A: You can sell up to three ounces of spirits per complete meal.
Q: Can two or more three-ounce beverages be sold per meal?
A: No. Three ounces total per complete meal.
Q: Can the three-ounce per complete meal be combined into one six-ounce spirit beverage (one container) if two complete meals are sold?
A: No, the cocktails cannot contain more than three ounces. The laws have not changed for “cocktails for two” – they are not allowed. Spirits must be sold by the individual serving.
Q: Are there any quantity restrictions on the final alcohol to-go product? Meaning, can the three ounces of spirits be mixed with any amount of mixer?
A: The WSLCB has no issues with the amount of mixer used in these cocktails. So while the amount of alcohol cannot exceed three ounces per drink/cocktail the LCB does not have limits to the ounces of mixer or size of the containers.
Q: Is there required signage I must post in my business to sell alcohol to-go?
A: Yes, click here to download signage from the LCB website.
