Public safety violations are considered the most serious as they present a direct threat to public safety. Public safety liquor laws fall into the following categories: violations involving minors; the sale or service of alcohol to apparently intoxicated persons; conduct violations; lewd conduct; and refusing to allow inspection and/or obstructing a law enforcement officer from performing their official duties.
View WAC 314-29-015 to see penalty guidelines.
Minors (those under 21)
- You may not sell alcohol to those under 21 years of age
- You may not allow those under 21 consume or possess alcohol
- Minors are not allowed in taverns, lounges or other age-restricted areas
- Laws and rules
Overservice
- You may not sell alcohol to apparently intoxicated customers
- You may not allow apparently intoxicated customers to consume or possess alcohol
- You must remove the customer's drink and refuse further alcohol service
- An intoxicated customer may remain at your business if they don't have any alcohol
- Laws and rules
Disorderly conduct
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Disorderly conduct by customers, owners and employees is not permitted
- Allowing fights, not calling police, etc.
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No owner or employee may drink alcohol while working
- Employees include DJ's, musicians and karaoke operators
- No owner or employee may show signs of intoxicated while at the premises, whether they are working or not
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Criminal conduct by customers, owners and employees is not permitted
- Drugs, etc.
- Laws and rules
Refusal to allow inspection/obstructing a law enforcement officer from performing their official duties
- Your licensed premises is open to inspection by WSLCB or local law enforcement anytime someone is in the premises
- Laws and rules