What delivering spirits, beer and wine really means for your business

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has approved curbside, take-out and delivery for spirits. This is your chance to get creative, such as selling a mimosa kit or Bloody Mary kits in your deliveries.  

As circumstances change regarding the spread of coronavirus in Washington state, we would like to advise you on the rules regarding the delivery of beer, wine and spirits. We will continue to keep you informed should any additional rules or changes to existing rules are made as the situation unfolds.  

1. According to the LCB, Spirits, beer and wine licensees will be allowed to make curbside and/or delivery sales of alcohol under the following conditions: 

Delivery or curbside sales of bottles of spirits is allowed when purchased with a meal or food. 

Curbside service: 

• Beer must be in growlers, kegs or factory-sealed bottles and cans. 
• Wine must be in factory-sealed bottles.
• Spirits must be in factory-sealed bottles.

Delivery 

• Delivery of beer including non-factory sealed cider growlers, jugs or other similar, non-factory sealed containers is allowed. 
• Delivery of malt liquor in kegs or other containers capable of holding four gallons or more liquid is allowed, so long as kegs or containers are factory sealed and that the keg sales requirements (see WAC 314-02-115) are followed. 

• Beer must be in factory sealed bottles, cans or kegs holding 4 or more gallons. 
• Wine must be in factory sealed bottles. 
• Spirits must be in factory sealed bottles. 

1. Restaurants and taverns can make curbside and/or delivery sales of beer and wine. 

• Beer must be in growlers, kegs or factory-sealed bottles and cans. 
• Wine must be in factory-sealed bottles. 

No temporary endorsement needed 

None of these activities require a temporary endorsement and will be allowed while businesses are closed under the March 15 proclamation of the governor 

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board must approve any third-party delivery service. The retailer must collect payment, so for example, GrubHub and DoorDash are not approved third-party providers because they collect payment and then pay the retailer. 

Apply sales tax to all items. 

Now for some rules 

Beer, wine and spirits may be ordered in person at a licensed location by mail, telephone, internet or by other similar methods. 

Delivery can be made only to a residence or business that has an address recognized by the United States Postal Service. A residence includes a hotel room, a motel room or other similar lodging that temporarily serves as a residence. 

Beer, wine and spirits may be delivered each day of the week between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. Delivery must be fully completed by 2 a.m. 

Any person under 21 years of age is prohibited from purchasing, delivering or accepting delivery of beer, wine or spirits. 

• A delivery person must verify the age of the person accepting delivery before handing over beer, wine or spirits. The delivery person should wear gloves and sanitize everything once they return to their vehicle and try to maintain social distancing as much as possible.  
• If no person 21 or older is present to accept the order at the time of delivery, the beer and wine shall be returned to the licensee. 

Delivery of beer, wine or spirits is prohibited to any person who shows signs of intoxication. 

Individual units of beer, wine or spirits must be factory-sealed in bottles, cans or other like packaging.