Alcohol Laws in Washington State (2026): What You Need to Know
Washington has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the United States. These laws affect everything from when you can buy drinks to how you serve them. Understanding these rules helps you stay safe and avoid costly fines.
This guide covers the most important alcohol laws in Washington State for 2025. You’ll learn about buying times, serving rules, penalties, and recent changes.
What Are Washington State Alcohol Laws?
Alcohol laws in Washington control when and how people can buy, sell, and drink alcoholic beverages. These laws exist to keep communities safe and prevent problems like drunk driving and underage drinking.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) manages these laws. This state agency makes rules for businesses that sell alcohol. They also enforce penalties when people break the rules.
Washington treats alcohol very seriously. The state has stricter rules than many other places in America.
Basic Alcohol Laws
Legal Drinking Age
You must be 21 years old to buy or drink alcohol in Washington. This is the same across all 50 states.
People under 21 can face serious penalties for drinking. The only exceptions are for religious ceremonies and when parents give alcohol to their own children at home.
Where You Can Buy Alcohol
You can buy beer and wine at grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. Large grocery stores can also sell liquor and spirits.
Liquor stores sell all types of alcohol including beer, wine, and spirits. Bars and restaurants serve alcohol for drinking on their property.
Alcohol Sales Hours
Alcohol can only be sold between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. the following day. This includes every day of the week, including Sundays.
Local cities and counties can make these hours stricter. Some areas might stop sales earlier or start them later.
Washington State Sales Rules
Sunday Sales
Washington allows alcohol sales on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. There are no special restrictions for Sunday sales anymore.
This changed from older laws that banned Sunday alcohol sales. Before 2005, most liquor stores could not open on Sundays.
Alcohol Delivery Rules
As of July 1, 2025, alcohol delivery is no longer permitted in Washington. This means you cannot get beer, wine, or liquor delivered to your home anymore.
Before this change, some businesses could deliver alcohol during normal business hours. The state ended this service in 2025.
Takeout Alcohol
Restaurants can sell cocktails and mixed drinks for takeout. Washington made cocktails to-go permanent in 2023.
You must buy food with your takeout alcohol. The drinks must be in sealed containers.
Age Requirements for Workers
Serving Alcohol
People who are 18 to 20 years old can serve alcohol with restrictions. They need a Class 13 Servers permit and special training.
Young servers can carry drinks to tables and open bottles. They cannot mix drinks or pour from taps.
Class 12 and 13 Permits
Workers 21 and older need a Class 12 Mixologist permit. This lets them mix drinks and draw beer from taps.
All alcohol servers must complete MAST (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training) within 60 days of being hired.
Penalties and Consequences
DUI Penalties
Washington’s legal limit for driving is 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC). For drivers under 21, the limit is much lower at 0.02%.
First DUI offense penalties include:
- Minimum 1 day in jail (2 days if BAC was 0.15% or higher)
- Fines from $945 to $5,000
- 90-day license suspension
- Required alcohol treatment programs
- Ignition interlock device on your car
DUI convictions stay on your record for 99 years in Washington State. They cannot be removed or sealed.
Underage Drinking Penalties
Young people caught drinking face different penalties than adults. Underage DUI can result in up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.
Parents who let minors drink in their cars face gross misdemeanor charges. This can mean up to 364 days in jail and $5,000 in fines.
Open Container Laws
It’s illegal to have open alcohol containers in cars. This includes any bottle, can, or cup with a broken seal.
Open containers must go in the trunk or an area where passengers cannot reach them. Violating open container laws results in fines up to $250.
The glove box and center console count as passenger areas. You cannot store open alcohol there.
Special Circumstances
Exceptions to Open Container Rules
Some vehicles allow open containers for passengers:
- Licensed party buses and limousines
- RV living areas (not the driving area)
- Chartered group transportation
The driver of these vehicles still cannot drink alcohol.
Restaurant and Bar Rules
Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. They must stop serving 15 minutes before closing time.
Washington has dram shop laws that hold businesses responsible for over-serving customers. Servers can face criminal charges for serving drunk people.
Alcohol Impact Areas
Some neighborhoods have extra restrictions called Alcohol Impact Areas. These areas have special conditions on off-premises alcohol sales.
The LCB creates these areas to reduce public drinking problems and crime.
How to Follow Alcohol Laws
For Individuals
- Never drink and drive, even after one drink
- Keep all alcohol containers in your trunk when driving
- Check your BAC if you’ve been drinking – you might be over the limit
- Don’t provide alcohol to anyone under 21
For Businesses
- Train all employees with proper MAST certification
- Check IDs carefully for anyone who looks under 30
- Stop serving customers who appear intoxicated
- Follow all local time restrictions for sales
Getting Help
If you have a drinking problem, Washington offers treatment programs. Many are required for DUI offenders but anyone can use them.
Contact the Washington State Department of Health for treatment resources.
Recent Changes in 2025
End of Alcohol Delivery
The biggest change in 2025 was ending alcohol delivery services on July 1. This affects many restaurants and liquor stores that offered delivery.
Customers must now pick up alcohol orders in person. Businesses had to update their systems and notify customers about this change.
MAST Training Updates
The state updated MAST training requirements in 2025 to clarify when permits are needed. This helps businesses understand which employees need certification.
Expanded Outdoor Service
New laws allow expanded outdoor alcohol service for special events like the FIFA World Cup. This applies to civic campuses in major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol in public parks?
No. Washington law prohibits drinking alcohol in most public places. This includes parks, sidewalks, and parking lots.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test?
Refusing a breath test results in automatic license suspension and enhanced DUI penalties. The penalties are the same as if you tested over the legal limit.
Can passengers drink alcohol in a car?
No. All passengers are prohibited from drinking alcohol or having open containers in regular vehicles. This rule applies to everyone in the car.
Do I need a permit to serve alcohol at a private party?
Usually no, but you might need a special occasion license for large events. Check with the LCB if you’re unsure about your event.
Can I bring my own wine to a restaurant?
Yes. Washington allows restaurants to charge customers a fee for bringing their own wine. Each restaurant sets its own rules and fees.
Final Thoughts
Washington’s alcohol laws are complex but important for public safety. The state takes these rules seriously and enforces them strictly.
Remember that local laws can be even stricter than state laws. Always check with your city or county for additional rules.
When in doubt, choose the safer option. The penalties for breaking alcohol laws can be expensive and long-lasting. Understanding these laws helps you enjoy alcohol responsibly while staying within the rules.