One-Time-Only Events
The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) issues three licenses and permits for one-time-only events:
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Special Occasion License: Allows a bona fide nonprofit organization to sell liquor at a specified date, time and place. Special Occasion License applications are available online. Examples include a fundraising dinner, gala event, auction, or wine tasting.
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Banquet Permit: Allows the service and consumption of liquor at a private, invitation-only banquet or gathering held in a public place or business. Banquet Permits are available online. Examples include weddings, company banquets, retirement parties, or club, organization or church events.
- Raffle Permit: Allows a bona fide nonprofit organization to raffle liquor to its members at a specified date and place. Applications are available online or by calling (360) 664-1600.
Farmers Markets
The LCB also certifies farmers markets who wish to allow Washington wineries and breweries to sell product for off-premises consumption, and endorses qualified in-state wineries and breweries who wish to sell product at a farmers market.
- Farmers market certification: Allows a qualified farmers market to have Washington wineries and breweries sell products for off-premises consumption. Applications are available online:
- Farmers market endorsement: Allows a qualified in-state winery or brewery to sell wine or beer at a certified farmers market. Applications are available online:
Local Wine Association License
A retail license for nonprofit societies or organizations formed for the purpose of encouraging consumer education of and promoting the economic development for a designated area of the Washington state wine industry. Applications are available online.
- Licensees may purchase or receive donations of wine from licensed domestic wineries and certificate of approval holders to use for promotional or marketing purposes.
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Events and marketing programs run by the licensee may be held on the premise of a domestic winery or domestic winery additional location.
- The wine industry association licensee and domestic winery licensee must separately account for their own sales.
- Domestic winery licensees are exempt from RCW 66.28.305 when making retail sales at these events, allowing them make or receive money advances.
- The LCB must be notified at least 45 days prior to an event or marketing program.
- Licensees may host up to 12 events annually.
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Licensees may also apply for special occasions licenses.
If you currently hold a wine association license and wish to notify to the LCB of an upcoming event, please complete the Event Notification Form and email it to specialoccasions@lcb.wa.gov
Special Business Permits
There are several permits available for businesses that don't fit into a traditional liquor license category.
Following State Liquor Laws
Special license or permit holders must follow state liquor and tobacco laws and regulations during their event. A WSLCB enforcement officer may visit a licensed event to check compliance with state liquor and tobacco laws and regulations. The license or permit must be prominently displayed at the event.
Please remember:
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No sales or service of alcohol to persons under 21 years of age and intoxicated persons
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Intoxicated persons and those under 21 may not drink or possess alcohol
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No disorderly conduct at the event
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No sales, service or consumption between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Emergency Liquor Permit
The Emergency Liquor Permit authorizes a licensed manufacturer (such as a winery, brewery, or distillery) to temporarily sell their products at a different licensee’s location in the case of an emergency or natural disaster.
Emergency or disaster means an event or set of circumstances that:
- Demands immediate action to preserve public health, protect life, protect public property, or to provide relief to any stricken community overtaken by such occurrences; or
- Reaches such a dimension or degree of destructiveness as to warrant the Governor proclaiming a state of emergency.
For more information about the Emergency Liquor Permit click here.