Washington is a non-quota / open-issue state: you apply to the state for a new license rather than buying one on a secondary market. The application/license fee is $2,700/yr (<50% dining area), $2,200/yr (≥50% dining), or $1,400/yr (service bar only); a Beer/Wine restaurant is $600/yr — plus a small state business-license fee.
Bottom line: issuing body is the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB); the license most bars/restaurants need is the Restaurant — Spirits/Beer/Wine license (RCW 66.24.400, on-premises full liquor); typical timeline 60–90 days; apply ~90 days before opening; state fee $2,700/yr.
High-level overview of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) process — your exact path depends on license type, city/county, and whether you're applying new vs. transferring an existing license.
| State application / license fee | $2,700/yr (<50% dining area), $2,200/yr (≥50% dining), or $1,400/yr (service bar only); a Beer/Wine restaurant is $600/yr — plus a small state business-license fee |
| License type (bar/restaurant) | Restaurant — Spirits/Beer/Wine license (RCW 66.24.400, on-premises full liquor) |
| Quota state? | No — open issue |
| Typical timeline | 60–90 days; apply ~90 days before opening |
Washington privatized spirits sales in 2012 and is non-quota — the WSLCB issues licenses on application — so there's no big resale market; cost is the license fee plus local process.
A liquor-license consultant / expediter handles the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) application, public notice, background packet, and (in quota states) the transfer paperwork — typically $2,000–$10,000 depending on complexity. Worth it if you're on a build timeline and can't afford a rejected application.
Start at the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) →
Tip for the owner: set AFFILIATE_LIQUOR_PRO_URL to a licensing-consultant lead-gen/affiliate link to monetize this CTA. Until then it points to the official Washington board.
Washington's spirits-restaurant license requires the premises to qualify as a restaurant (dedicated dining area and food service) — pure bars use different endorsements.
See the full per-step requirements: Washington liquor license requirements → · Cost detail: Washington liquor license cost →
Apply to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). The license most bars and restaurants need is the Restaurant — Spirits/Beer/Wine license (RCW 66.24.400, on-premises full liquor). Washington issues these on application — there is no statewide cap. Expect roughly 60–90 days; apply ~90 days before opening from a complete application to issuance.
The state application/license fee is $2,700/yr (<50% dining area), $2,200/yr (≥50% dining), or $1,400/yr (service bar only); a Beer/Wine restaurant is $600/yr — plus a small state business-license fee. Washington is non-quota, so there's no large secondary-market premium — your main costs are the state fee plus local approvals.
Typically 60–90 days; apply ~90 days before opening from a complete application, per the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) process — longer if there's a public-notice/protest period or local council approval. Washington's spirits-restaurant license requires the premises to qualify as a restaurant (dedicated dining area and food service) — pure bars use different endorsements.
Usually both. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) issues the state license (Restaurant — Spirits/Beer/Wine license (RCW 66.24.400, on-premises full liquor)); your city or county typically requires a separate local permit, zoning sign-off, or council approval. Confirm local requirements with your city before you apply to the state.
Looking in California instead? LiquorDesk also tracks surrendered & transfer-pending California liquor licenses by county, live from the CA ABC export — often a faster route than a new quota license.
Regulatory facts on this page are from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) (Washington's official alcohol-licensing authority). Verified against the board's published material on 2026-06-22. Fees, quotas and rules change — always confirm the current figures with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) before you apply. This is informational regulatory content, not legal advice; for a transfer or contested application consult a licensed attorney or licensing consultant.