Production/sales
How many gallons of spirits can I produce as a craft distiller?
A craft distillery can produce 150,000 gallons or less a year.
How much product can I sell to customers at my craft distillery?
There is no limit to the amount of product you may sell of your own production for off-premises consumption. Sales must be reported monthly to the Liquor and Cannabis Board (see below).
When are my tax reports due?
Tax reports must be postmarked on or before the 20th of the month following activity. A report must be filed each month, including those months when there is no activity. When the 20th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the filing must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service no later than the next postal business day. If you do not have any activity to report, you can file tax reports in advance.
Producing spirits as a hobby
I want to make small amounts of distilled spirits as a hobby. Is this legal?
No, it is illegal to produce distilled spirits without a license.
Spirit samples
Can I have a tasting room?
Yes, you may have a tasting room that is physically separated from the production site. Retail sampling and sales cannot occur in the TTB bonded area.
Can I offer free samples, or sell samples to customers?
A craft distillery may offer a maximum of two ounces per person per day free of charge or charged at the distillery. An employee involved in the service of samples must have a Mandatory Alcohol Server Training Permit. You must report these samples on your Craft Distillery Tax Form.
Can I put soda or water in my samples?
Samples may be adulterated with non-alcoholic mixers, mixers of the distillers own production, water, and/or ice.
Can I have outdoor seating?
No. Outside seating is only approved for on premise licensees. Distilleries are off premise licensees.
Can I sell at a farmers market?
Yes. Distilleries may apply for an endorsement to sell at a farmers market, the fee is $75. Spirits sampling is not allowed at a farmers market. Before selling at a qualifying farmers market you must provide to the Board a list of the dates, times, and locations that bottled spirits may be offered for sale.
Can I ship directly to Washington Consumers?
Yes. Distilleries/craft distilleries will need to file an application (form number LIQ 756) for direct to consumer shipments.
Special occasion events
How can craft distilleries participate in a special occasion event?
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A distillery or representative of a distillery can donate product to a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit.
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A distillery representative can pour and educate the public about their spirits.
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Please remember that the event is operated by the special occasion licensee, not the manufacturer.
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A distillery may not sell spirits to the public during these events.
- A distillery may not donate money of any kind to these events (booth fees, sponsorship)