Summer is here! Many licensees work with the LCB to permanently expand outdoor seating areas. This year and next, some licensees also have an opportunity to expand outdoor seating in public areas. Say what?!
If you are a qualified licensee, you may be able to do that under the Expanded Alcohol Services program. The state legislature approved these expanded services through December 31, 2027. An example of this might be a corner set up with a bench owned by the city and shared by several local stores. This offers a bit of respite for shoppers strolling in your area. With the city’s permission and LCB’s authorization, this could be designated as a public consumption area, allowing patrons to take their drink from your premises to enjoy the outdoors with their family.
How to Get Started:
- Check the map: First, check our GIS map to see if your city, town, or county is approved for the Expanded Outdoor Alcohol Services authorization.
- Contact local government: If your local government is approved, reach out to your officials and ask about any specific rules for outdoor service areas and how you can get started.
- Apply with the LCB: After you’ve met local permitting requirements, you can submit your added activity application in the LCB Portal. If you are sharing the expanded outdoor area with other licensees, you can choose one primary licensee to submit the application on behalf of all participants.
Important Rules and Tips
Who qualifies?
Only the following license types can apply:
– Beer/wine restaurants
– Spirits/beer/wine restaurants
– Taverns
– Snack bars
– Wineries
– Breweries
– Distilleries
Approval isn’t Automatic
If your local government is already approved for expanded outdoor service, this does not automatically grant approval for you to expand in public areas. You must still apply with the LCB and follow all local and state laws and regulations.
Permanent Location
Licensees must have a permanent physical location within the approved area to join. Licensees may not pop-up or set up temporary service locations to participate within approved expanded outdoor service areas.
Apply First
Licensees must apply with the LCB and get approval before starting operation of an expanded outdoor service area. As part of the application, licensees will need to include a Joint Operating Plan and Site Map.
Is your area not on the map?
Expanding alcohol services into public spaces is a choice for cities, counties, and port authorities. If your local government has not requested these expanded services, it could be by choice, or they are not aware of interest in the program by their local businesses. There is also a cost for the local government that also must be considered. To encourage discussion around the authorization, reach out to your local officials.
This is a great opportunity only available through December 31, 2027. Don’t hesitate to reach out to ExpandedAlcoholServices@lcb.wa.gov if you have any questions.
This story was published in the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board’s (LCB) quarterly newsletter, Topics and Trends, from the summer 2026 alcohol edition on Medium. Other stories featured that may be helpful to your winery include A First Look at DUI Data from the World Cup, Snack Bar License Updates, Liquor License Renewal Deadline Reminders, 2026 Liquor-Related Legislative Changes, and more.
If you have feedback on topics you’d like to see in coming editions, please email LCB communications staff at communications@lcb.wa.gov.
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