2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Washington Alcohol Server Classes | Alcohol Server Training (MAST) Permits WA

Changes to Delivery and Takeout

July 30, 2025/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

Below is an update to services that were previously allowed on a temporary basis which have been extended, discontinued, or updated:

Temporary allowances which will expire July 1, 2025 and have no fees attached.
Permanent allowances effective Mar. 3, 2024 and may require additional fees.

The biggest changes to the temporary allowances are:

Third-party delivery is not allowed for any restaurant, tavern, snack bar, nonprofit arts organization, or catering licensee.
Third-party delivery remains allowable for manufacturers (for product of their own production only) and off-premise retailers such as specialty shops and grocery store licenses. The contract with the third-party provider must be submitted to LCB for review and approval.
Delivery will be only be allowed by employees of the licensee for manufacturers (for product of their own production only) and off-premise retailers such as specialty shop and grocery store licenses. The delivery must be done by an employee of the license holder, the employee must have a class 12 permit, and the delivery address must be within the state of Washington.

WAC 314–03–600 Takeout/delivery endorsement comparison table

Effective March 3, 2024, a meal purchase may be required for takeout or delivery orders of alcohol. Please see this chart to determine if it is required.

Donations to Nonprofits with Special Occasion Licenses

July 30, 2025/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

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.

Can I Use a Food Truck?

July 30, 2025/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

Image of a person with long brown hair and a gray shirt sipping out of a paper cup in front of a mint green food truck display

LCB’s licensing team continues to get questions about food trucks and when they are allowed.

Food trucks do not meet the definition of a building under WAC 314–07–010. This means they cannot be used as a liquor-licensed premises and licensees may not use them to meet the requirements of maintaining a kitchen facility when food service is required.

Weddings, Parties, and Galas, Oh My!

July 30, 2025/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

Image of people sitting at a formal table raising champagne glasses in a toast — Photo by Al Elmes on Unsplash

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.

Event Location for Catering

July 30, 2025/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

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.

Cannabis at Liquor Licensed Locations

July 30, 2025/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

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.

Finding Hope: You Can Help

July 30, 2025/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

Taking care of employees and helping them be successful is important for any industry. When an employee struggles with substance use, productivity suffers, accidents and injuries can increase, and absenteeism and low morale affect the whole team. Often people don’t know where to turn for help.

In a 2015 report, data from the 2008 to 2012 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) presented estimates of substance use behaviors and past year substance use disorder for people ages 18 to 64 who were employed full time. The surveys asked the type of business or industry in which the respondents worked.

The survey showed the highest rates of past month illicit drug use (19.1 percent) and of past year substance use disorder (16.9 percent) were found in the accommodations and food services industry. This industry ranked third (at 11.8 percent) behind mining and construction workers (17.5 and 16.5 percent respectively) for past month heavy alcohol use.

Not addressing these situations contributes to an unhealthy and risky work environment, not to mention potential economic and personal losses.

Help is Available

Resources for recovery can be found by calling the WA Recovery Helpline at 866–789–1511 or going to warecoveryhelpline.org. Professionally-trained staff provide emotional support and can connect callers with local treatment resources or more community services. “Hope is out there.”

Walk-Up Pass-Through Windows vs. Drive-Up Pass-Through Windows

July 30, 2025/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

Outdoor restaurant seating on a walkway with overhead string lights

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.

Class 21 Permit

July 30, 2025/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

On Sept. 28, 2023, LCB started accepting applications for class 21 permits. A class 21 permit allows a short-term rental operator to provide a complimentary bottle of wine to rental guests ages 21 and over. With this new permit comes a rule change for wine distributors.

A class 21 permit holder may buy wine from wine distributors, retailers and other suppliers of wine authorized to sell wine at retail to consumers for off-premises consumption.

The 2023 Legislature revised RCW 66.24.200 to allow wine distributors to sell wine directly to class 21 permit holders. The permit holder must present their class 21 permit to the wine distributor when placing an order.

Please contact Licensing Customer Service at 360–664–1600 if you have any questions.

Alcohol, cannabis and crossfading

May 29, 2023/in 2025 Alcohol Server Training, MAST Course, for Washington State /by Davis

The use of alcohol and cannabis together, commonly known as crossfading, can have significant effects on individuals who consume these substances. While both substances are known to impair cognitive and motor skills, combining them can intensify these effects, leading to a higher risk of accidents, injuries, and impaired judgment.

One of the primary effects of crossfading is that it can increase the level of impairment experienced by individuals. This is because both substances can impact the central nervous system in different ways. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the body’s responses, while cannabis produces psychoactive effects that can cause changes in perception, mood, and behavior. When combined, these substances can have an unpredictable impact on the body, leading to increased impairment and the risk of accidents.

Another significant effect of crossfading is the amplification of certain side effects associated with each substance. For example, alcohol is known to cause dehydration and nausea, while cannabis can increase heart rate and blood pressure. When consumed together, these side effects can be intensified, leading to discomfort and potential health risks.

The use of cannabis is legal in Washington state, and it’s essential for professional servers and bartenders to be aware of the potential effects of crossfading when serving patrons. One of the best strategies for servers is to ensure that they educate their patrons about the risks associated with consuming alcohol and cannabis together. This can include providing information about the potential side effects and encouraging individuals to consume these substances separately.

Additionally, servers and bartenders should monitor their patrons’ level of intoxication carefully. It’s essential to recognize the signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, lack of coordination, and altered behavior, and to take appropriate action if necessary. This may include refusing further service or contacting law enforcement if a patron is believed to be a danger to themselves or others.

To prevent the risks associated with crossfading, it’s also important for servers and bartenders to encourage responsible consumption. This can include providing non-alcoholic beverages, encouraging patrons to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and ensuring that food is available.

In conclusion, the effects of alcohol and cannabis together can be significant, leading to increased impairment, amplified side effects, and potential health risks. It’s important for servers and bartenders in Washington state to be aware of these risks and to take appropriate action to prevent harm. By educating patrons, monitoring intoxication levels, and promoting responsible consumption, servers can create a safe and enjoyable environment for all of their customers.Alcohol and cannabis are two of the most commonly used psychoactive substances worldwide. The combination of both substances in a single setting can result in some consequences that are not always predictable. Hence, understanding the interactions between them is crucial to avoid potential health hazards.

Alcohol, just like cannabis, is known to impair judgment, cognitive performance, and psychomotor skills. Moreover, the physiological effects of alcohol and cannabis are quite different – while alcohol affects the central nervous system and can result in significant health hazards like liver damage, addiction, and harm to developing fetuses; cannabis typically affects the brain and can result in psychological disturbances such as paranoia, anxiety or depression.

When consumed together, alcohol and cannabis can intensify each other’s effects, including sedation, impairment of psychomotor and cognitive abilities, and increased risk of accidents. Some common physiological reactions include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, which can lead to confusion, disorientation, or even loss of consciousness. This can be particularly dangerous when mixed with the coordination and inhibition-loss effects of alcohol, increasing the likelihood of falls and other significant injuries.

It is essential for with professional servers and bartenders in Washington State to be attentive to patrons who may be under the influence of both alcohol and cannabis. The ALES online course to obtain your alcohol server card, liquor card or MAST permit (Class 12 and Class 13 permits) provides the necessary information for you to be well equipped to handle the unique challenges that serving alcohol to those under the potential influence of other substances.

Research has shown that individuals who consume cannabis while drinking alcohol are more likely to experience the negative effects of alcohol alone, in addition to acute cannabis toxicity. As a result, it is essential that servers and bartenders develop strategies to recognize the signs of impairment, particularly those associated with the combination of the two substances.

To help mitigate the risks associated with serving patrons who may be consuming both alcohol and cannabis, professional servers and bartenders need to be proactive in their approaches. The following strategies are helpful:

1. Awareness: Establishing a general understanding of the effects of alcohol and cannabis, including their synergistic effect, can provide professional servers and bartenders with the knowledge necessary to identify the signs of impairment.

2. Communication: Servers and bartenders must communicate clearly with patrons and educate them about the dangers of mixing the two substances. They can also assist by providing alternative drinks, inviting them to snack, or slowing down their alcohol consumption.

3. Observation: Professional servers and bartenders may need to monitor patrons closely and intervene when required. They can utilize cognitive and psychomotor testing to determine a patron’s level of impairment and track any changes in behavior.

4. Training: Providing training such as “pot-and-pour” training can teach servers and bartenders about the effects of cannabis use and provide them with the skills to recognize when patrons may need to be refused service.

In conclusion, serving patrons under the influence of alcohol and cannabis requires extra attention and care by professional servers and bartenders in Washington State. Understanding the effects of the combination of the two substances, maintaining communication with patrons, observing behavior, and providing training for servers and bartenders is crucial to keeping patrons and staff safe. Proactive strategies of service can also include providing alternative drinks, inviting them to snack, or slowing down their alcohol consumption, which can go a long way towards ensuring that patrons are not over-served and are safe to drive. By following the guidelines, servers and bartenders can promote a safe and responsible drinking culture while supporting overall public health.