Special Licenses and Permits

What does the permit cost?
Banquet permits cost $10 per day for your event, so, a three day events costs $30. Note that you will need an email address and a credit or debit card to complete this transaction. If you do not find the email with attachment in your inbox, please check your “junk” or “spam” folders before contacting LCB Licensing Customer Service Desk for support.

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Important information about banquet permits

• All banquet permit sales are final
• No refunds will be issued
• Banquet permits are available to for-profit businesses, societies, organizations, and individuals
• Retail liquor licensees may not obtain banquet permits
• Attendance must be by invitation only
• The event may not be open or advertised to the public
• Liquor must be free of charge, or brought by individuals attending the event. No separate or additional charge may be made for liquor, and donations cannot be accepted
• The event cannot be for business promotions
• Liquor must be purchased from a retail store at full retail price
• Package deals are allowed that may include, for example, the cost of dinner, liquor and entertainment. To ensure participants receive an equal share, tickets exchangeable for drinks may be issued as part of the package price. No profit may be made from the packaged deals
• Rental facilities or halls may require a banquet permit
• You must obtain any required permits from your local authorities when you host an event in a public place
   
• 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
  • Guests are not charged for admission or anything provided at the function (e.g. ice, setup, food, hors d’oeuvres, etc.).
  • "Charge" includes donations, dues, fees, or otherwise
  • The event would normally be held in the individual’s private home, but is so large that a separate facility is needed to accommodate it
  • The facility where the event is held is closed to the general public during the event and does not have a liquor license
  • There is no business purpose for the event or any financial gain
     
• What does the Liquor and Cannabis Board do with my banquet permit?
  When you purchase your banquet permit online, an email copy of it is sent to your local liquor enforcement office. Officers can visit gatherings, so it is important that you sign and post a copy of your permit at the location where you will be serving the alcohol at your event.

Individuals/families moving into Washington State, including military moves, must get a Household Move Permit which authorizes the shipment of alcoholic beverages into the state. Only alcoholic beverages for personal use can be shipped to an individual in Washington as part of a household move. They must be shipped at the same time as your household goods; however they may be shipped separately.

Here is a step-by-step User Guide for filling out the permit application.

Your imported beverages may only be for personal/household use – not for selling or other commercial uses. Individuals/families moving into Washington will get a one-time exemption from paying state liquor taxes or fees.

• Click this link to apply for a Household Move Permit (web application produces a permit that will be emailed as soon as the application is completed).
• Please print two copies of your permit - sign them, then provide one signed copy to the shipping company for clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The other signed copy is for your records. Any federal taxes and duties from CBP are separate from the state requirements.

• Licensees may purchase or receive donations of wine from licensed domestic wineries and certificate of approval holders to use for promotional or marketing purposes.
• 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.
• 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.