OUTLINE OF THE LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS
The Licensing and Regulation Division licenses all grocery stores, restaurants, clubs,
and taverns. We also license non-retail businesses, such as breweries, wineries, and
beer/wine distributors. You can also contact our division to inquire about various
permits, such as a permit to serve alcohol at a special event or fund raiser, or a
permit to raffle liquor.
Please contact the Customer Service desk if you have any questions:
Mailing Address:
Liquor Control Board
PO Box 43098
Olympia, WA 98504-3098
Telephone Number: (360) 664-1600
Fax Number: (360)753-2710
Office Hours: 8 am. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday
Directions to Washington State Liquor Control Board
3000 Pacific Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98504
360-664-1600
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From I-5, take the Pacific Avenue Exit, Exit 107.
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Head west on Pacific Avenue for one-quarter mile.
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The Liquor Control Board headquarters office is located on the right- hand side
of Pacific Avenue. Its a two-story tan building. The receptionist is located on
the first floor.
How To Apply For A Liquor License
To receive a liquor license application packet, please contact the Boards Licensing
and Regulation Division at (360) 664-1600 (see location and phone number above).
Routine liquor license applications normally take 45 to 60 days to process.
In order to provide you a customized licensing packet, we will need to know the
following information:
Are you opening a new business, or taking over a business that has an existing
liquor license?
What kind of liquor license do you wish to apply for? (e.g., a restaurant that
serves just beer and wine, restaurant that serves spirits, tavern, grocery store,
winery, etc.).
What will your business structure be? (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership,
corporation, limited liability company, etc.).
A liquor license is an endorsement on your state Master License. Therefore, your
packet will include a Master Application from the Department of Licensing. You
will use the liquor license description sheet to determine what type of liquor
license you wish to apply for. Also use the "Registration and License Description
Sheet" to apply for any other non-liquor endorsements you need at this time.
Note: Your business may require additional licenses
that cannot be applied for with a Master Application (including local, state, and
federal licenses). If you need more information on licensing requirements for your
business, contact the
Department of Licensing, Master License Service at (360) 664-1400.
Your packet will include additional forms, along with a brochure entitled "How to
Apply for a Liquor License." Please carefully review the instructions in this
brochure before completing any forms. Mail forms, with fees,
to the Department of Licensing, Master License Service, in the return envelope
provided (the address is also listed on the Master Application).
If you have any questions, please call the Customer Service desk a (360) 664-1600.
We will be happy to assist you.
Special Licenses and Permits
A special occasion license allows a nonprofit
organization to sell liquor at a specified date and place. All proceeds from the
sale of liquor must go directly back into the nonprofit organization.
The fee for a special occasion license is $60 per day, per location and allows
sales of spirits, beer and wine by individual serving for on-premise consumption.
Special occasion licenses are limited to 12 single-day events per calendar year.
The organization should apply 45 days before the fundraising events. You can pick
up a special occasion license application at any local liquor store or agency,
or contact the customer service desk at (360) 664-1600.
A banquet permit is for a private, invitation only
event (not open or advertised to the public). The liquor must be provided free of
charge, or brought by individuals attending the event. Package deals are allowed
that may include, for example, the cost of dinner, liquor, and entertainment.
To assure participants receive an equal share, tickets exchangeable for drinks
may be issued as part of the package price. No separate or additional charge
may be made for liquor. You can get a banquet permit for $10 at any local liquor
store or agency.
A raffle permit allows a nonprofit organization to
raffle liquor at a specified date and place. The fee is $10 for a single event or
$25 for an annual permit. Please contact the customer service desk at (360) 664-1600
for an application.
If you have any questions or wish to inquire about
other permits, please call the customer service desk at
(360) 664-1600.