Internet Sales of Alcohol

Interested in internet sales?

If you would like to work with a third party service provider to process online payments, create an online shopping portal, or deliver alcoholic beverages, the WSLCB must approve the contract before you can proceed. To receive approval, submit the Added Activity form on our website and licensing staff will work with you.  

We may ask you for a copy of your contract to make sure it complies with the rules. Some of the common things we look for include:

• The service provider should be charging a service fee per transaction.

• Service fees cannot be based on a percentage of sales.

• The service provider must transfer proceeds from the sale to the licensee right away. The service provider cannot hold proceeds from the sale or disburse payments in a lump sum.

• Liquor must be sent from the licensed retail location to the buyer.

• The Licensee is responsible for all deliveries made on its 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 the following conditions:

  • The sale must be made and processed by the licensee or their direct employees;
  • A contracted payment processor and/or delivery contractor may only transmit payment through their service;
  • The contractor must be paid a flat service fee and cannot receive a percentage of sales; and
  • Orders and payments must be fully processed before alcohol leaves the licensed business.
     

Process

Non-Retail Businesses

  1. Complete the Added Activity Application found here. 
  2. Once completed, please email a copy of the application to nonretailliquorlicensing@lcb.wa.gov.
  3. If you are using a contractor that has not previously been approved by the WSLCB, we may require a copy of the contract after your application is received.
     

Retail Businesses

  1. Complete the Added Activity Application found here. 
  2. Once completed, please email a copy to liquorAlterations@lcb.wa.gov.
  3. If you are using a contractor that has not previously been approved by the WSLCB, we may require a copy of the contract after your application is received.
     

 

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