How to Get a Liquor License in Washington

The alcohol industry is a significant revenue source for many Washington bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. But Washington state officials are heavy-handed when it comes to alcohol regulation, making it challenging for some businesses to sell alcoholic drinks. In recent years, attempts have been made to lower the DUI limit to 0.5% BAC, indicating Washington officials may have an appetite for further restrictions on the beer, wine, and liquor industries. ^[1]OPB News. “Washington state lawmakers consider lower threshold for DUI charges as road deaths continue to rise.” Accessed September 19, 2024.

Understanding how to apply for liquor licenses and abide by Washington liquor laws is essential for business owners offering alcoholic beverages. Since there are quite a few steps to this process, starting the application process on the right foot can help your business avoid delays in the approval process.

This guide explores types of liquor licenses in Washington, how to get one, how to renew, and other related topics.

Types of Washington Liquor Licenses

For businesses, Washington offers various liquor licensing types, including retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and others selling or distributing liquor licenses. The state divides the licenses into two primary categories: retailers and non-retailers. For the purpose of this guide, we will focus mainly on retail license types. Now, let’s explore the most popular retail liquor licenses below:

Restaurant (Beer and/or Wine)

This license type allows for the sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption, provided the restaurant offers a minimum food service.

Restaurant (Spirits, Beer, and Wine)

For restaurants that want to sell liquor, this license type allows the sale of liquor, beer, and wine for on-premises consumption. However, this license has additional requirements in terms of food service, kitchen equipment, and premises size.

Spirits Retailer

This license type allows a business to sell spirits in original containers for off-premises consumption. The premises must be at least 10,000 square feet and fully enclosed. A further permit is required if the business wants to sell alcohol to other retailers.

Nightclub

This license type allows nightclubs to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption. The nightclub’s primary business hours must be between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM.

Hotel

This license type allows hotels with at least 20 rooms to sell alcohol both off-premises and on-premises.

Grocery Store

This license type allows grocery stores to sell beer and wine (there’s another license for liquor) for off-premises consumption. The grocery store must maintain a minimum of $3,000 worth of food products (not including beer, wine, or soft drinks).

While the previously mentioned licenses are some of the most popular liquor permits in Washington, there are plenty of other options for niche businesses in the alcohol sector. Check out some of the other retail liquor license types available:

Beer and/or Wine Gift Delivery	Combination Spirits / Beer / Wine Off-Premises Retail License — Grocery Store Beer and/or Wine Specialty Shop
Combination Spirits / Beer / Wine Off-Premises Retail License — Specialty Shop	Beer and/or Wine Theatre
Beer and/or Wine Theatre	Liquor Caterer
Motel	Nonprofit Arts Organization
Private Club — Beer and Wine	Private Club — Spirits, Beer, and Wine
Public House	Senior Center
Snack Bar	Spirits / Beer / Wine Theater
Spirits Retailer	VIP Airport Lounge
Sports Entertainment Facility	Other

The Washington alcohol license your business requires depends on your industry, size, and type of alcohol you wish to sell. Make sure to explore all the retail business licenses available before deciding which one is appropriate for your business.

Remember, the liquor licenses mentioned so far are only for retailers. Wholesalers, distributors, and other alcohol-industry businesses require separate licenses.

Liquor License Requirements for Washington

Washington has extensive liquor licensing requirements. In addition to providing details about yourself, other shareholders, and your business, you must also provide the following documentation during the application:

• Business structure
• Financing and start-up costs
• Lease or purchase agreements
• Floor plans
• Personal/criminal history statement

While Washington doesn’t require you to submit finalized leases and purchase agreements if you’re still negotiating contracts, the agreements must be finalized before a license is approved.

Washington also offers “Endorsements,” which are additional permits that allow the modification of an existing license. For example, if you own a grocery store that wants to offer wine tasting, there’s an Endorsement available to enable this.

Your business may require other permits depending on where in Washington it is located. Always check with local municipalities to determine if you need additional licenses or permits to conduct business.

Understanding Liquor Laws in Washington

Washington liquor license applicants must undertake an online briefing of liquor laws during the application process. This ensures liquor license holders know how to operate legally in the state. Now, let’s explore some examples of Washington liquor laws:

• No sales outside 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
• Required signage must be displayed (such as pregnancy warnings, etc.)
• Businesses cannot refuse entry to law enforcement
• Individuals under the age of 21 cannot be served alcohol
• Managers, servers, and bartenders must have an alcohol-serving permit
• A Master Business License must be clearly posted on the wall
• A licensed premises is responsible for the safety of individuals at the establishment
• Individuals cannot be served alcohol if they are intoxicated

You can find links to the full legal briefings online.

How Much Does a Liquor License Cost in Washington?

So, how much is a liquor license in Washington? Liquor licenses in Washington aren’t cheap, but they’re more affordable than in many other states. The cost varies depending on the license type and the type of alcohol your business sells. Generally, if you want to sell spirits, it’s more expensive than just selling beer and wine. Let’s explore prices for retail liquor licenses in Washington:

Restaurant (Beer and/or Wine): $200 – $400	Restaurant (Spirits, Beer, and Wine): $1,000 – $2,600
Spirits Retailer: $166	Nightclub: $2,000
Hotel: $2,000	Grocery Store: $150
Beer and/or Wine Gift Delivery: $75	Beer and/or Wine Specialty Shop: $100
Combination Spirits / Beer / Wine Off-Premises Retail License — Specialty Shop: $316	Beer and/or Wine Theater: $400
Liquor Caterer: $200 – $1,000	Motel: $500
Nonprofit Arts Organization: $250	Private Club — Beer and Wine: $180
Private Club — Spirits, Beer, and Wine: $720	Public House: $1,000
Senior Center: $720	Snack Bar: $125
Spirits / Beer / Wine Theater: $2,000	Spirits Retailer: $166
Sports Entertainment Facility: $2,500	VIP Airport Lounge: $2,000

How to Apply for a Liquor License in Washington

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board considers applications for businesses ready to begin selling alcohol within three months, so make sure you apply at least 90 days before your planned opening date. Below, let’s explore a step-by-step guide for applying for a Washington liquor license:

Step 1: Apply online

Start by heading to the Department of Revenue (DOR) Washington State website and applying for a license. You must create an account on the DOR platform before accessing the application.

Step 2: A Licensing Specialist contacts your business

All applicant businesses are assigned a Licensing Specialist. They’ll contact you within a week of receiving your application to explain the next steps.

Step 3: Telephone interview

The Licensing Specialist will schedule an interview with you to discuss your business plan, business partners, and other critical details. Having a formal business plan makes this conversation much more manageable.

Step 4: Submit additional documents

Next, it’s time to submit your additional documents to your Licensing Specialist. These include:

• Business structure
• Financing and start-up costs
• Lease or purchase agreements
• Floor plans
• Personal/criminal history statement

Step 5: Post local notifications

Then, while your documents undergo inspection, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board will notify your local authorities, as well as nearby churches and schools. Stakeholders may support or object to your application.

Step 6: Document review

Your Licensing Specialist will continue to review your documents. They’ll reach out if they require any clarification. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 7: Personal/criminal history statement

Next, for those without an existing liquor license, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board requires a Personal/Criminal History Statement. You must disclose all criminal history details, including charges that were changed, deferred, dismissed, or occurred when you were a juvenile.

Step 8: Undergo a final inspection

Retail license applicants must undertake an online briefing on Washington liquor laws. Likewise, they must collect and submit photos of the premises for a final inspection.

Step 9: Receive a licensing decision

Lastly, it’s time to receive your licensing decision. If approved, your approval letter serves as your license for 30 days until you receive all your finalized documentation, such as your Master Business License.

How to Renew Your Washington Liquor License

While the application process for a new liquor license is a complex, time-consuming process, renewing a license is much simpler. You have two options: log into the Department of Revenue (DOR) Washington State website and renew your license, or submit the paper renewal application you receive with your renewal notice. All paper renewals can be mailed here:

State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia, WA  98507-9034

Getting a Beer and Wine License in Washington: Closing Thoughts

Washington businesses face a long application process before being granted permission to sell liquor, beer, and wine in the state. Starting the application process as soon as possible and responding to requests for additional information quickly is essential if you have immediate plans to open a business in the alcohol sector. However, while the hurdles may feel significant, obtaining a Washington liquor license offers access to more than 4.1 million customers over the age of 21.^[2]Infoplease. “WA Demographic Statistics.” Accessed September 19, 2024.

Whether you’re running a restaurant, bar, nightclub, catering company, grocery store, or any other business selling alcohol, you need a payment processor to accept credit card payments. However, many businesses are considered high-risk by traditional payment processors, making it challenging for specific types of merchants to obtain merchant accounts. Fortunately, Washington alcohol businesses can access payment processing through high-risk merchant account providers. In addition to partnering with businesses in the Washington beverage industry, many high-risk merchant service providers offer 24/7 customer support, dedicated account managers, and industry-specific tools! Find merchant services for restaurants and bars today!

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