Washington state has a variety of laws regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol, including beer. While the state is not considered dry, there are dry areas within it that limit or prohibit alcohol sales. In most of the state, beer can be purchased from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, including Sundays, from bars, restaurants, breweries, taprooms, and package and liquor stores. However, localities can restrict these hours beyond state-level regulations.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can you buy beer on Sunday in Washington State? | Yes |
Hours of sale | 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. |
Days of sale | Monday to Sunday |
Locations of sale | Bars and restaurants, package and liquor stores, breweries and taprooms |
Minimum drinking age | 21 |
Drinking with parents | Allowed |
Drinking with parental supervision | Allowed |
Drinking in public | Not allowed |
Open container laws | Not allowed in vehicles |
What You'll Learn
Beer can be purchased in Washington state on Sundays between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m
In Washington, beer can be purchased from both on- and off-premise consumption retailers. This includes bars and restaurants, breweries and taprooms, and package and liquor stores.
Localities can, however, restrict these hours beyond state-level regulations. For example, bars that are part of restaurants may close earlier, at the same time as the restaurant.
Washington is not a dry state, but it does have one dry area: the Yamaka Native American Reservation, which covers Yamaka County and part of Klickitat County.
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Localities can restrict these hours
While beer can be bought on Sundays in Washington, the hours during which alcohol can be sold are restricted. Alcohol can only be sold by licensed businesses between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. However, localities can restrict these hours. Local laws can be stricter than state laws, and local jurisdictions may reduce the hours of sale.
A local government subdivision may fix later opening hours or earlier closing hours, as long as the hours apply to all licensed premises in the local government subdivision's jurisdiction. For example, bars in restaurants often close when the restaurant does, which is usually earlier than 2 a.m.
The state's alcohol laws also vary by county, city, and municipality. For instance, the town of College Place allows alcohol, but it does not have any bars. In addition, the Yamaka Native American Reservation, covering Yamaka County and part of Klickitat County, is completely dry.
It is important to be aware of the specific alcohol regulations in your locality within Washington State, as they may be more restrictive than the state-level laws.
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It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 21
Washington's alcohol laws apply to both its residents and visitors. While the state does not restrict Sunday alcohol sales, it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 21. This includes those under 21 attempting to buy alcohol, and those who are 21 selling alcohol.
In Washington, it is a crime for anyone under 21 to buy or attempt to buy alcohol. The penalty for this offence is a fine of at least $250, but it could be as high as $1,000. There is also the possibility of a jail sentence of up to 90 days, and the judge may require at least 25 hours of community service.
It is also illegal for those under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.02%. The penalty for this is a 90-day license suspension, up to 90 days in jail, and a fine of up to $1,000. For a second conviction, the penalty is a license revocation until the age of 21 or for at least one year, as well as up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Liquor license holders are responsible for their employees' actions. If an employee sells or serves alcohol to a minor, the business will be responsible for liabilities, injuries, and other damages related to the consumption of alcohol by a minor. The licensee could be fined up to $5,000 for illegal sales.
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Alcohol servers must be trained and certified
Yes, you can buy beer on a Sunday in Washington state. The sale hours are from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m., the same as the rest of the week.
To serve alcohol in Washington, servers must undergo Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST). This is a requirement for anyone who serves, mixes, sells, delivers, or supervises the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption. It also applies to those who conduct alcohol tastings at off-site licensed businesses and fill growlers at grocery stores.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) allows alcohol servers to complete the MAST course program online or in a classroom setting. The course is provided by third-party, private course providers certified by the WSLCB. The cost of the training varies and is not regulated by the WSLCB.
Upon completion of the course and exam, the provider will mail the trainee a MAST permit and report the completion to the WSLCB within 30 days. There are two types of permits: a Class 12 permit for servers aged 21 or older, and a Class 13 permit for servers aged 18 to 20. The MAST permit is valid for five years and is non-renewable.
Businesses are required to have at least one Class 12 permit holder on duty. A Class 13 permit holder may perform the duties of a Class 12 permit holder if they are at least 21 years old and only function in this capacity for a minimum of 30 days per year.
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Open containers must be stored in the trunk of a car or glovebox
In Washington, it is illegal for the driver and passengers in a motor vehicle to possess an open container of alcohol. An open container is defined as any container of alcohol with a broken seal or one that is partially emptied. Open containers must be stored in the trunk of a car or in a locked glovebox.
There are a few exceptions to this law. Passengers in the living area of a motor home or in the passenger area of a hired vehicle (such as a limousine) are allowed to possess and drink from an open container. Additionally, hotel and motel guests may reseal and remove open containers of alcohol to drink in their rooms.
It is important to note that driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal and comes with severe penalties. Washington has several sets of punishments and legal limits for DUI convictions, depending on the age of the driver. For drivers aged 21 or older, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. For those under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher is illegal.
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Washington can include jail time, fines, community service, license suspension, and the installation of an ignition interlock device. It is always best to plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver or alternative transportation if you know you will be consuming alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy beer on Sunday in Washington State.
Beer can be purchased between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. on any day of the week.
Yes, the Yakama Native American Reservation, which covers Yakama County and part of Klickitat County, is a dry area.
It is illegal for drivers and passengers in a vehicle to possess an open container of alcohol. An open container is defined as any alcohol container with a broken seal or one that has been partially consumed. Open containers must be stored in the trunk of a car or in the glovebox.