The bill amends Washington's liquor licensing laws to enhance food service options for domestic breweries and microbreweries. It allows these establishments to subcontract food service requirements, enabling them to meet necessary standards for restaurant licenses. Additionally, breweries and microbreweries can operate mobile food units or independently operated food service providers on their premises, provided these areas are substantially separated from alcohol storage. The legislation also introduces a fee waiver for certain licenses for a 12-month period, contingent upon compliance with health and safety regulations, and outlines the process for breweries to sell bottled beer at farmers markets.

Moreover, the bill updates definitions and regulations related to the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages, including an expanded definition of "restaurant" to encompass domestic breweries and microbreweries that contract for food service. It introduces new terms such as "VIP airport lounge" and "VIP airport lounge operator," clarifying access and operation criteria for lounges in international airports. The bill also modifies existing beer and wine restaurant license provisions, including a waiver of annual fees and the introduction of a caterer's endorsement for removing liquor for catered events. Overall, these changes aim to streamline operations for food service providers associated with breweries while modernizing the regulatory framework for alcohol sales and service.

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