The bill amends Washington's liquor licensing laws to provide greater flexibility for domestic breweries and microbreweries, particularly concerning food service options. It allows these establishments to subcontract food service requirements for their beer and/or wine restaurant licenses, enabling them to focus on beer production while ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, breweries can operate mobile food units or independently operated food service providers on their premises, provided these areas are separated from nontax-paid alcohol storage. The bill also introduces a temporary waiver of licensing fees for breweries and microbreweries for a 12-month period, aimed at supporting them during the COVID-19 pandemic, with specific exceptions for those with health and safety violations.

Moreover, the bill expands the definition of eligible establishments for liquor licenses to include those that contract with food service providers and introduces a caterer's endorsement for licensees, allowing them to remove specific types of liquor for catered events under certain conditions. The cost for this endorsement is set at $350, with a $20 fee for duplicate licenses for additional premises. It also establishes a soju endorsement for spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses, requiring training materials in both Korean and English. Overall, these amendments aim to modernize the liquor licensing framework, enhance operational flexibility for licensees, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 66.24.240, 66.24.244, 66.24.320, 66.24.410, 66.04.010