We are quickly approaching our busy season for special occasion license applications. We would like to share a few reminders about donating alcohol to a nonprofit organization (NPO) who has a special occasion license. A special occasion license allows a NPO to sell alcohol at an event that is open to the public. If the NPO is registered as a 501©3 or 6, they may accept donated alcohol from a winery, brewery, distillery or a spirits distributor.

Only non-retail licensees may donate alcohol to NPOs. If an NPO approaches you for donations of manufacturer-sealed bottles of alcohol, you may only donate under the following conditions:

• You are licensed as a winery, brewery, distiller, or a spirits distributor. Retailers cannot donate bottles of alcohol.
• You have verified the NPO holds a special occasion license, or are in the process of applying for one. You may not provide the alcohol until you see a copy of their special occasion license.
• You have verified that they are a 501©3 or 6 with the IRS. Remember that any type of NPO can apply for and receive a special occasion license, but they must be a 501©3 or 6 to get donations of alcohol.
• Wineries, breweries, and distilleries may only donate alcohol that the licensee manufactures themselves.
• If you are a spirits distributor, you may donate spirits that you distribute on behalf of the manufacturer.
• The same rules apply if you are donating a gift certificate for a “tasting” experience.

What can a licensed alcohol retailer donate to a special occasion licensee?

Licensed retailers may only donate gifts that are not related to alcohol. Donating alcohol directly to another retailer (which a NPO is when they hold a special occasion license) is prohibited by law.

Reminder that if an NPO would like to have a fundraising event at a liquor licensed premises and the NPO would like to sell their own alcohol, they are required to have a special occasion license. Alcohol from the licensed premises must be kept separate and cannot be sold to the event participants during the hours of the special occasion license.

Ever been to a wedding or formal event and were in awe of the food and drinks? Have you seen the person seemingly lead the staff like a conductor leading an orchestra? Experience the joy and ease it brings to party goers? Perhaps after viewing this spectacle, you wondered what it takes to get a catering license. Well, in this edition of Topics and Trends, we will go over how to do just that.

The Bar

There are three tiers of liquor license a caterer can have:

• Beer or Wine: $200
• Beer and Wine: $400
• Spirits/Beer/Wine: $1,000

A liquor caterer license allows the licensee to sell spirits, beer, and wine by the individual serving for consumption on the premises of the catered event location. A spirits, beer, and wine caterer licensee must be able to serve at least four different complete meals. A beer/wine caterer must also have the ability to provide food such as sandwiches, salads, soups, hamburgers, pizza, or other minimum food services. Food must be prepared at a licensed kitchen that has the necessary equipment to prepare and cook meals.

Location, Location, Location

The location of the event must belong to the caterer or the event sponsor unless the event is limited to invited guests only. If the event is open to the public, it must be sponsored by a nonprofit organization. A catered event cannot be held at a liquor licensed location, such as a bar or nightclub. Consult your liquor officer if you have questions before an event at these types of locations.

A licensed Caterer may serve at events they are hired to provide services for. These events must be located on property that is owned, leased, or operated by either the holder of the caterer’s license or the sponsor of the event. The event space may not be located on the premises of a liquor licensed business. If the event space is owned, leased, or operated by the holder of the caterer’s license, it must be in a separate location than their licensed premise.

Planning for Success

The final aspect of holding a liquor caterer license is that the caterer must inform LCB about their events. Caterers must send a list of their scheduled events by the first of each month that includes date, time, and location of the event. If any of these details change before any of the events submitted, updated information must be sent to LCB within 72 hours of the event. Please remember that as a caterer you must be contracted by a nonprofit organization for all events open to the public. You may not hold your own events.

Submit scheduled events, questions, or concerns to [email protected] or call (360) 664–1600.

For more information on liquor caterer laws and rules:

• RCW 66.24.690
• WAC 314.02.112

Becoming a caterer can not only be a fun career, but it can also have an impact in people’s lives as you are a crucial piece to some of life’s big events. Making sure party goers are able to celebrate safely will not only make the event successful, but it will create wonderful memories for years to come.

What does it mean?

First and foremost, it is against the law to open a package containing cannabis or consume cannabis in view of others or in a public place. As a licensee or employee, being aware of trouble areas that may need more attention will promote public safety and foster a safe environment at licensed locations.

It is in the licensee’s best interest to monitor patrons and their level of intoxication. This starts with the entry point of the licensed location. It is also important to be aware of areas where patrons might consume cannabis outside of the premise. Nearby places like alleys or parking lots are popular locations where customers might attempt to consume cannabis.

Allowing patrons to enter after consuming cannabis may make it much more difficult to prevent serving alcohol to intoxicated persons at the licensed premises. Additionally, consumption of cannabis prior to drinking alcohol may increase effect that the alcohol has on customers.

Potential Signs of Intoxication

• Slurred speech
• Bumping into things
• Swaying, staggering, or stumbling
• Unable to sit straight
• Bloodshot, glassy eyes
• Aggressive of belligerent
• Crying or moody
• Spilling drinks
• Drowsiness

Designated smoking areas and other outdoor areas at licensed locations are a common spot for customers to open and/or consume cannabis, as these areas tend to be less supervised than interior ones. Cannabis use could lead to over-service if not monitored, and a liquor licensed location is responsible for preventing cannabis consumption at their premises.

An additional best practice to keep in mind is that performers/entertainers are hired by the licensee and therefore, are employees and need to comply with the same rules as staff. This means that during breaks, backstage, or in green rooms, performers cannot consume cannabis on premises. If a performer appears intoxicated, it is the responsibility of the licensee to treat it as they would if any employee appeared that way.

Liquor-licensed employees should also look for signs of cannabis consumption. One of the most common signs is finding empty packaging in trash cans or in restrooms. If staff notice discarded cannabis packaging or paraphernalia, such as rolling papers, additional prevention steps should be taken to ensure the location remains in compliance. Licensees may want to consider additional ways to monitor patrons, deterrent signage, or stricter systems for entry.

Hosting cannabis-related events/entertainment has become increasingly popular with liquor licensees, but it can also welcome unwanted consumption of cannabis. Ensuring that event spaces have enough staff coverage, and patrons understand consuming cannabis at the premises is not allowed, will help with the success of the event.

Licensees are encouraged to contact their Enforcement Officers with any questions or concerns. Enforcement Officers are here to help and can offer strategies for a cannabis free premises.

LCB often receives questions from licensees regarding the use of “pass-through” windows. Pass-through windows are most often seen connecting a restaurant, coffee shop, bar or similar entity’s main production and serving area to a patio or other seating section. While walk-up pass-through windows are permitted for liquor licensees under specific circumstances, drive-through windows are prohibited.

Use of a pass-through is allowed for a liquor licensed premises only under specific circumstances. At a minimum, a licensee must meet the following requirements:

• The pass-through must lead directly into a licensed, outside seating area contiguous to the liquor licensed premises
• The outside seating area must be clearly defined with the required barriers and signage
• The window must be large enough to allow for line of sight into the licensed outside seating area
• The window must allow the employee to observe the person being passed the alcohol for signs of intoxication to prevent over-service

314–11–015 — What are my responsibilities as a liquor licensee?

Licensees have the responsibility to control their conduct and the conduct of employees and customers on the premises at all times. Except as otherwise provided by law, licensees or employees may not sell or serve liquor by means of drive-through service from pickup or pass-through windows.