Selling Responsibly

Selling alcohol responsibly should be the top priority for liquor-licensed businesses. Owners, managers and employees all have a role in keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors and those who are apparently intoxicated.

Owners and managers
There is no one in a better position to promote compliance than the owners and managers of a liquor-licensed business.

You should regularly speak with employees about checking ID, refusing sales to apparently intoxicated patrons, preventing disorderly conduct and other liquor laws. It is imperative that you have written policies addressing your expectations. If you see an employee merely glancing at an ID or serving someone who looks intoxicated, intervene and remind them of your expectations. By consistently following state liquor laws and your own policies, you can minimize liability to yourself, your employees and your customers.

Responsible Vendor Program
The Responsible Vendor Program is a free, self-monitoring program that rewards retail licensees who take positive steps to prevent the sale and service of alcohol to minors and apparently intoxicated persons.

Retail licensees may apply for this program if they have a spirits retailer license and have no public safety violations within the past two years.

Employees
Bouncers, bartenders, servers and cashiers are the first line of defense when it comes to selling alcohol responsibly. They should be vigilant when checking ID, understand that they must refuse to sell someone alcohol if they are apparently intoxicated or under 21, and know how to handle situations that could lead to harm, such as a fight between patrons.

Employees should understand state liquor laws and their company's policies about alcohol sales. They can get a good overview during free “Responsible Alcohol and Tobacco Sales” classes offered regularly by WSLCB enforcement officers. The classes cover topics such as checking ID and identifying the signs of intoxication.

Also, employees that serve or supervise the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption must have a current Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) Permit. More information about MAST permits is available on the Licensing Services page.

Checking ID
Checking identification is an important part of ensuring legal sales. Businesses can choose which forms of acceptable IDs they will allow and many businesses develop policies about which kinds of ID can be accepted.

See the recently updated presentation and training guide regarding Responsible Age-restricted Products Sales here: Age-restricted Product Sales (PDF).

ID Requirements

• Identification MUST be valid (not expired) and show:
• The bearer's date of birth,
• The bearer's signature (except US Military ID – see below)
• A photograph of Bearer

Types of Acceptable ID

1. Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, or I.D. Card issued by any U.S. State, U.S. Territory and District of Columbia.
2. Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, or I.D. Card issued by any Canadian Province
3. Valid Washington State Temporary Driver’s License
4. U.S. Armed Forces I.D. Card (Encrypted signature acceptable)
5. Merchant Marine I.D. Card issued by the U.S. Coast Guard
6. Official Passport, passport card, NEXUS card
7. Washington State Tribal Enrollment Card (No expiration date required)

 
Identifying signs of intoxication

If a customer is showing signs of intoxication, a business should refuse to sell them alcohol. The customer may stay at the business as long as they are not drinking alcohol.