Public Safety Laws

Public safety violations are considered the most serious as they present a direct threat to public safety.  Public safety liquor laws fall into the following categories: violations involving minors; the sale or service of alcohol to apparently intoxicated persons; conduct violations; lewd conduct; and refusing to allow inspection and/or obstructing a law enforcement officer from performing their official duties.

View WAC 314-29-015 to see penalty guidelines.

Minors (those under 21)

Overservice

  • You may not sell alcohol to apparently intoxicated customers
  • You may not allow apparently intoxicated customers to consume or possess alcohol
  • You must remove the customer's drink and refuse further alcohol service
  • An intoxicated customer may remain at your business if they don't have any alcohol
  • Laws and rules

Disorderly conduct

  • Disorderly conduct by customers, owners and employees is not permitted
    • Allowing fights, not calling police, etc.
  • No owner or employee may drink alcohol while working
    • Employees include DJ's, musicians and karaoke operators
  • No owner or employee may show signs of intoxicated while at the premises, whether they are working or not
  • Criminal conduct by customers, owners and employees is not permitted
    • Drugs, etc.
  • Laws and rules

Lewd conduct

  • Lewd conduct by customers or employees is not permitted
  • Laws and rules

Refusal to allow inspection/obstructing a law enforcement officer from performing their official duties

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