Internet Sales of Alcohol

Interested in internet sales? 

If you want to work with a third-party service provider to process online payments, create an online shopping portal, or deliver alcoholic beverages, the LCB must approve the contract before you can proceed.  

To request approval, please go to the LCB Portal to apply for the added activity and a licensing staff member will work with you.  We may ask you for a copy of your contract to make sure it complies with state laws and rules.  

Some of the things we look for include: 

• The service provider should charge a flat service fee for each transaction. 
• Service fees may not be based on a percentage of sales. 
• The service provider must transfer proceeds from the sale to the licensee right away.  
• The service provider may not hold proceeds from the sale or disburse payments in a lump sum. 
• Liquor must be sent from the licensed retail location to the buyer. 

Licensees are responsible for all deliveries made on their behalf.

You can find the rules for third-party service providers in WACs 314-03-020, 314-03-030, 314-03-035, and 314-03-040.

The use of internet or mobile applications for retail customers to buy alcohol in Washington are allowed only under all the following conditions:

1. The sale must be made and processed by the licensee or their direct employee(s);
2. A contracted payment processor and/or delivery contractor may only transmit payment(s) through their service;
3. The contractor must be paid a flat service fee and may not receive a percentage of sales; and
4. Orders and payments must be fully processed before alcohol leaves the licensed business.

How to apply for:

Non-Retail Businesses 
Apply for the added activity on the LCB Portal. We may require a copy of the contract after your we get your request.  

Retail Businesses 
Apply for the added activity on the LCB Portal. If you are using a contractor that has not previously been approved by LCB, we may require a copy of the contract after we get your request.