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Recently Approved Liquor Licensee?
We want to hear from you!
Have you recently worked
with the Licensing Division to obtain a liquor license? If so, our staff would
love to hear from you about your experience. To connect with us about this
opportunity to be interviewed in-person at your location, please contact
Kaitlin Leeberg at kaitlin.leeberg@lcb.wa.gov
or 1-360-664-1643 by November 1, 2019.
Crafting and Liquor Licenses
Licensing often receives
applications for crafting businesses (paint-n-sips, woodworking classes,
pottery classes, etc.). Washington State does not have a specific license for
these types of businesses. However, Licensing staff are always willing to
explore what type of license best fits your business model. If you want to
serve liquor at a crafting business, you have a few options. Each one has
different requirements. Some common
licenses crafting businesses qualify for include:
- Restaurant
- Snack Bar
- Beer/Wine Tavern
You
can see detailed information regarding the requirements for each license type here. Please contact us at
1-360-664-1600, if you would like more information.
You and Your Enforcement Officer
Contributed by Captain Tom Dixon
My journey with State of Washington employment started with
the Department of Revenue (DOR) back in the 80’s.
It took a few years, but I came to the conclusion that tax collection
didn’t fit with my long-term career goals.
During my time at DOR I had many contacts at other local, federal and
state agencies, but the most intriguing professionals with whom I dealt were
the Enforcement Officers (then called Agents) at the Liquor Control Board.
Rarely did a month pass without talking with the LCB agents
about something one of us were working on and they soon recruited me over to
the LCB. At the time my mindset was such
that I figured I’d accumulate some liquor enforcement experience and then move
on to work for the federal government and see the country. Within only a few
weeks of my arrival at the LCB, I knew that these were the people with whom I
wanted to devote my career, and 29 years later, I’m still here. While folks
at the LCB were great, I soon learned that it was the very folks I was
regulating that would keep me here.
Each LCB Officer is assigned a specific geographic area containing
the businesses (licensees) for which they are responsible. Officers are to work with their licensees,
law enforcement, local government and citizens to make their assigned communities
safer. Officers are expected to develop
a proactive working relationship with their licensees through technical
assistance strategies, educational materials, training classes, and sometimes
enforcement actions. This is
accomplished through daytime field visits, training classes or late-night
premises checks.
Licensees are encouraged to contact their enforcement
officer if they have questions about the laws, proposed activities,
compliance strategies, etc. The
enforcement officer is to be the licensee’s one-stop-shopping contact for all
things alcohol, marijuana, tobacco or vapor related. A map
is available to help you identify your assigned enforcement officer.
We’re hiring!! If you
know someone who would like to be considered in joining our ranks, please visit
our website or
talk to your enforcement officer. Your consideration would be appreciated.
Trade Practice Rules - Lawsuit Resolution
A ruling was recently made by the Court of Appeals, Div. 1 about Trade Practice rules that were adopted in 2015, then challenged by the then-named Washington Restaurant Association (WRA) and Costco.
The rules were upheld in Superior Court but on appeal, the
Court of Appeals, Div. 1, recently found three of the rules to be beyond the
authority of the Board because they are contrary to RCW 66.28.170.
This is the statute that states price discrimination is unlawful, but that
price differentials based on various factors, included “bona fide business
factors” were allowable.
Essentially the court found that the Board's action in adopting WAC 314-23-065 (unfair trade
practices), 314-23-080
(Volume discounts limited to introductory price for spirits); and 314-23-085
(volume discounts over time, or delivered to multiple locations not allowed)
was not arbitrary or capricious, but did find the rules exceeded the authority of the Board since they conflict with RCW 66.28.170.
The Board has decided not to appeal the court ruling, but will weigh whether to commence rulemaking to clarify or revise these rules.
If you have questions about trade practices or channel pricing, please contact Captain Sheri Lopez at Sheri.Lopez@lcb.wa.gov or (509) 625-5516.
Updated Licensing Forms and Resources
The
Licensing Division regularly updates online applications, forms, and resources.
To ensure you have the most up to date versions, download and print
applications from our website each time you need it.
Please
check out our recently updated Fee and Description Sheets for Liquor Retail and Liquor Non-Retail licenses and
permits. These resources now include hyperlinks to the applicable laws and
rules related to each license type.
Licensing Division - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Update
The Licensing Division at WSLCB has been
increasing our efforts to assist customers from a variety of diverse cultural
backgrounds. Over the past several months, Licensing has expanded access to
telephonic interpretive services to better assist our customers in their
preferred language. Additionally, the Licensing Division has identified
frequently requested forms and application documents that we will translate
into Korean and Spanish in the upcoming months. The Licensing Division also has
bilingual staff ready to assist customers in Korean or Spanish.
Vapor Page Updated
As you are likely aware, vapor has been a hot topic in the news lately. Since some of you may also possess tobacco and vapor licenses, we wanted to share that the LCB
has expanded its Vapor
and Public Health page on the Liquor and Cannabis Board website with
additional clarifying information regarding the flavored vapor product ban.
Updates
include content regarding:
- Specific pages for Cannabis
licensees and Tobacco/Vapor licensees;
- Table stating “What’s Allowed”
and “Not Allowed” in the emergency rule;
- Disposition of product;
- Enforcement information; and
- Links to required signage.
Please continue to return
to the page for the most current information.
Promote public safety and trust through fair administration and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws.-WSLCB Mission Statement
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