Applying for a liquor license in Seattle, WA involves several steps and involves different requirements depending on the type of licenses that apply to your business. The most common licenses for restaurants include Retail Restaurant - Beer Only, Retail Restaurant - Wine Only, Retail Restaurant - Beer and Wine, and Retail Restaurant - Spirits, Beer, and Wine. You can check the requirements on the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board's (WSLCB) website. If you're uncertain about the type of liquor license best for your business, you can call the Liquor Control Board at (360) 664-1600.
To apply, use the Business License Application and complete the Liquor Control Board Addendum-Retail. You can start your Liquor License Application at any time, but you'll need to secure your location before the application can be processed. Once your liquor license has been issued, you should be prepared to open your business as State policy requires that a business must be open a minimum of 3 days a week once a liquor license has been issued. The process normally takes 60 to 90 days for retail and in-state non-retail licenses, and 30 to 45 days for an out-of-state non-retail license. If you are applying as a sole proprietor or a partnership, you and your spouse (if applicable) need to be residents of Washington for 30 days before applying. This requirement does not apply if you are applying as a part of a corporation or a limited liability company registered with the Washington Secretary of State’s office.
Liquor licenses are not transferable, so if you are buying an existing business, you must apply for your own license. In most cases, if you withdraw or get denied, the WSLCB will keep $75 as a processing charge and refund the rest. For more detailed information, you may visit the Seattle government website.The City collaborates with the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and performs due diligence in reviewing all applications/renewals of liquor licenses to ensure compliance with state and local law and the public health, safety, and welfare of the City.
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