• Home

• Board Information

• Alcohol Education

• Forms & Publications

• Tobacco Facts

• Store and Products

• Contact Information

• Licensing Services

• Law and Rules

• Enforcement Information

• Employment Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I apply for a liquor license?

Contact the Liquor Control Board’s customer service desk at (360) 664-1600. We will provide information on the licensing process and send you a customized packet. For more detailed information on the licensing process choose "How to Apply for a Liquor License".

How long does it take to get a liquor license?

Routine liquor license applications normally take 45 to 60 days to process.

Will processing time be faster if I hand-carry my application?

Hand-carrying your liquor license application will save you mailing time. If you wish to visit our office in person, we are located at 3000 Pacific Ave SE in Olympia. Directions to Washington State Liquor Control Board..

Do I have to be a resident of Washington to apply for a liquor license?

If you are applying as a sole proprietor or a partnership, both you and your spouse (if applicable) need to be a resident of Washington for 30 days before applying for a liquor license.

This residency requirement does not apply if you are applying as a part of a corporation or a limited liability company that is registered with the Washington Secretary of State. If you need more information on forming a corporation or a limited liability company, contact the Secretary of State at (360) 753-7115 and press "1", or click here to link to their Web site.

Why would a liquor license application be denied?

Some reasons for denial might be:

• Failure to meet the basic requirements for the license you are applying for; e.g., not meeting the food service requirements for a restaurant that sells beer, wine, and spirits.
  
  
• Misrepresentation of fact.
  
  
• Failure to submit documents.
  
  
• Indicators of hidden ownership.
  
  
• Criminal history; i.e., conviction of a felony, conviction of a gross or simple misdemeanor involving liquor or drugs, any series of violations that show a disregard for the law.
  
  
• Objection from the local authority.
  
  
• Objection from a church, school, or other public institution within 500 feet of your premises.

If I apply for a liquor license and then withdraw or get denied, do I get my money back?

We will keep $75 of your liquor license fee as a processing charge, and refund the rest.

I am buying an existing business. Can I get their liquor license transferred to me?

Liquor licenses are not transferable, you must apply for your own license. Under certain circumstances, you may apply for a "temporary license" in addition to applying for your own liquor license. Upon approval, this license allows you to operate on the current licensee’s privilege. Issuance of a temporary liquor license does not guarantee approval of the annual license.

Temporary licenses normally take about three weeks to process. To qualify for a temporary:

• You must be applying for the same class of license held by the current licensee.
  
  
• The existing license must be current, with no pending violations (if the current license expires within 60 days, a temporary license can only be issued for the period remaining on the current license).
  
  
• Before getting a temporary license:

- All applicants must clear through a criminal history check.

- All required documents for a liquor license must be turned in and reviewed. (For more detailed information on the licensing process, click here.)

- You must have a briefing on liquor laws and regulations from your local Liquor Control Agent.

Do I need approval for alterations or additional activities on my licensed premises?

Some activities and alterations require either notice to the Board or prior approval. Please see WAC 314-02-125 and 314-02-130 for more information.

You must notify your local enforcement office in writing at least forty-eight hours before conducting the following activities:

• Male/female dance reviews, subject to the provisions of WAC 314-16-125;
  
  
• Live boxing or wrestling;
  
  
• Contests or games where patrons are part of the entertainment; and
  
  
• Hours of operation in between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. for licensees that sell liquor for on-premises consumption.

The following changes to a licensed premises require prior board approval, by submitting a form provided by the board's licensing and regulation division:

• excluding persons under twenty-one years of age from a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant;
  
  
• excluding persons under twenty-one years of age from the dining area of a beer and/or wine restaurant;
  
  
• reclassifying a lounge as open to persons under twenty-one years of age;
  
  
• extending the location of alcohol service, such as a beer garden or patio/deck service (areas must be enclosed with a barrier a minimum of forty-two inches in height);
  
  
• storing liquor off of the licensed premises;
  
  
• initiating room service in a hotel or motel when the restaurant is not connected to the hotel or motel;
  
  
• installing a pass-through window for walk-up customers; and
  
  
• using a licensed premises as an access to another business.
  
  
• any alteration that affects the size of a premises' customer service area.
  
  

I am selling my business. Do I get a refund of my unused liquor license?

There is no prorating of fees for discontinued liquor licenses.

I’m having a private party where I will be serving liquor. Do I need a license?

You may need a banquet permit, which 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 banquet permit is not required when all of the following apply:

The event is hosted by an individual, not an organization or business entity.

There is no charge for admission for anything provided at the function (e.g., mixer, setup, ice, food, hors d’oeuvres, etc.). "Charge" includes admission charge, donation, dues, fees, or otherwise.

The function would normally be held in the individual’s private home, but for space considerations, is held in a facility that is: 1) closed off to the general public during the function, and 2) does not have a liquor license.

What kind of license is needed for a nonprofit organization holding a fundraiser?

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. "Selling" includes soliciting donations and most package deals.

The special occasion license fee is $60 per day, per location and is limited to 12 single day events a year. The organization should apply 45 days before the fundraising event. 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.