The bill EHB 1602 amends Washington's liquor licensing laws to enhance food service options for domestic breweries and microbreweries. Key provisions include a waiver for annual licensing fees for these establishments during a specified 12-month period, contingent upon meeting certain conditions. The bill allows breweries and microbreweries to subcontract food service requirements, enabling them to offer food without directly providing it. Additionally, it establishes guidelines for selling bottled beer at farmers markets and permits mobile food units to operate on brewery premises, provided they are separated from alcohol storage. The state board of health is also tasked with adopting rules to allow dogs on the premises of breweries and microbreweries that do not provide food service.

Furthermore, the bill updates definitions and regulations related to the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages, expanding the definition of "restaurant" to include domestic breweries and microbreweries that contract for food service. It maintains existing definitions for various liquor-related terms and emphasizes compliance with the alcohol beverage control act. The legislation aims to streamline the licensing process for food and alcohol service providers while ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations, ultimately modernizing the legal framework governing alcohol sales in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 66.24.240, 66.24.244, 66.24.320, 66.24.410, 66.04.010
Engrossed Bill: 66.24.240, 66.24.244, 66.24.320, 66.24.410, 66.04.010
Bill as Passed Legislature: 66.24.240, 66.24.244, 66.24.320, 66.24.410, 66.04.010
Session Law: 66.24.240, 66.24.244, 66.24.320, 66.24.410, 66.04.010