|
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
- From I-5, take the Pacific Avenue Exit, Exit 107.
- Head west on Pacific Avenue for one-quarter mile.
- The Liquor Control Board headquarters office is located on the right- hand side of Pacific Avenue. It’s 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 Board’s 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. "Selling" includes
soliciting, donations, and most package deals.
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.
|
