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WashingtonHB 16982025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Updating liquor permit and licensing provisions.

Sponsored By: Kevin Waters (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Supervised tastings for college programs

Students age 18 or older in approved culinary or beverage degree programs can taste alcohol for class. A staff member age 21 or older with a Class 12 or 13 server permit must supervise. Students do not buy the drinks. Tastings happen on campus or on supervised field trips. The state waives the permit fee.

Complimentary drinks at bed-and-breakfasts and rentals

Short‑term rental operators can buy a $75 annual permit to give one complimentary bottle of wine per booking to guests age 21+. One permit can cover all listed properties. The operator or staff must check IDs at arrival, and guests can drink on‑site or take the bottle. Bed‑and‑breakfasts can get an annual permit to give wine or beer free to overnight guests for on‑site consumption.

Emergency permits keep alcohol businesses open

If a manufacturer’s premises are inaccessible due to an emergency, the business can get a 30‑day permit to sell and serve at another retail‑licensed location. The permit can be renewed while the emergency continues. Fees are waived during a state or local emergency proclamation. Only three emergency permit holders can operate at the same site, and storage is limited to a 30‑day supply in segregated storage. The governor can also waive some special liquor purchase permit requirements by issuing an order.

Free samples at trade shows and conventions

Vendors and alcohol suppliers can serve or donate liquor without charge at trade association conventions and international trade fairs. Service must be in a hospitality room, approved display room booth, or at the qualified event. Spirits must be bought from a retailer or distributor. State liquor taxes still apply.

Private tasting events for breweries, wineries, distilleries

Breweries, wineries, and distilleries can hold private tasting and sales events of their own products. The fee is $10 per event, and events must not be open to the public. Each licensee can hold up to 12 events per year. Apply before the event (at least 10 days ahead for beer and wine). Post the permit where guests can see it during the event.

Who counts as an alcohol server now

The law now treats anyone who regularly serves alcohol on‑site as an “alcohol server.” It also covers people age 18 or older who are allowed to serve alcohol with meals. These workers must follow server rules, permits, and training.

Rules for wine auctions and private sales

Washington nonprofits can hold private wine auctions with tastings. The fee is $25 for each winery selling at the event, and all wineries must be listed on the permit. Anyone selling a private collection of wine or spirits must get a $25 permit per sale at least five business days before. The seller must submit an inventory and price, and send the report and any taxes within 20 days after the sale. Sales to licensees are taxed as usual.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kevin Waters

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/25/2025House

  2. Chapter 167, 2025 Laws.

    4/25/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/25/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/21/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 1; excused, 0.

    4/16/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/16/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/7/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/2/2025House

  11. LC - Majority; do pass.

    4/1/2025House

  12. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    3/6/2025House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/4/2025House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2025House

  15. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/28/2025House

  16. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/21/2025House

  17. CPB - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/18/2025House

  18. CPB - Majority; do pass.

    2/18/2025House

  19. First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Business.

    1/29/2025House

  20. Introduced

    1/29/2025House

Bill Text

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