Bottom line: apply to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) for the Restaurant — Spirits/Beer/Wine license (RCW 66.24.400, on-premises full liquor). You'll need a registered business, secured premises, local zoning approval, owner background checks, and public notice. Washington is non-quota — you apply for a new license directly.
| Issuing body | Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) |
| License type (bar/restaurant) | Restaurant — Spirits/Beer/Wine license (RCW 66.24.400, on-premises full liquor) |
| Quota state? | No |
| State 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 |
| Typical timeline | 60–90 days; apply ~90 days before opening |
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.
In Washington you generally need: a registered business and secured premises, local zoning approval, owner background checks, public notice during the protest period, and an application to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) for the Restaurant — Spirits/Beer/Wine license (RCW 66.24.400, on-premises full liquor). Washington's spirits-restaurant license requires the premises to qualify as a restaurant (dedicated dining area and food service) — pure bars use different endorsements.
Most states, including Washington, weigh criminal history case-by-case; certain felonies (especially alcohol-, fraud-, or violence-related) can disqualify or require a waiver. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) makes the final call — disclose and ask them directly.
Usually yes — the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) issues the state license and your city/county typically requires its own permit plus zoning sign-off. Clear the local approval before or alongside the state application.
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.