The Liquor and Cannabis Board does criminal background checks to ensure applicants for a new or renewed license are qualified. The background checks include a criminal record check through the Washington Judicial Access Browser System, the Washington State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations database.
The LCB will conduct a threshold review for the following types of convictions:
| Conviction Type | Conviction Class | Time Consideration | Determination |
| Felonies | Class A and B convictions | 10 years | Threshold review if 1 or more |
| Class C convictions | 7 years | Threshold review if 2 or more | |
| Misdemeanors | Gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors | 3 years | Threshold review if 3 or more |
Individuals under active state or federal supervision will also have a threshold review.
Threshold review refers to a determination by management to issue or deny an application for a license. The criteria for threshold evaluations is listed in WAC 314-55-040 (5). If an application is sent to a threshold review, applicants will have an opportunity to submit information on their behalf for LCB to consider as the application is reviewed.