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)

• You may not sell alcohol to those under 21 years of age
• You may not allow those under 21 consume or possess alcohol
• Minors are not allowed in taverns, lounges or other age-restricted areas
• Laws and rules
  • RCW 66.44.270
  • RCW 66.41.310
  • WAC 314.11.020
  • WAC 314.16.150

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
  • RCW 66.44.200
  • WAC 314.16.150

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
  • WAC 314.11.01

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

• Your licensed premises is open to inspection by WSLCB or local law enforcement anytime someone is in the premises
• Laws and rules
  • RCW 66.28.090
  • RCW 66.44.370
  • WAC 314.11.090