HB 1807
In CommitteeHouse
Catered events with alcohol
Regarding catered events with alcohol.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill creates a new caterer’s license in Washington State that allows licensed caterers to legally sell and serve beer, wine, and spirits at events they cater—such as weddings, corporate functions, or private parties—even if the event is open to the public. It expands who can sponsor such events and sets specific licensing fees and requirements.
- Creates a new 'caterer’s license' allowing licensed caterers to sell and serve beer, wine, and spirits at events they cater—on-site at locations owned, leased, or operated by the caterer or event sponsor.
- Expands eligibility for the license: event sponsors no longer need to be formal 'societies or organizations'—any individual, nonprofit, or for-profit entity (e.g., corporations, LLCs) can sponsor an event under this license.
- Sets annual license fees: $200 for beer, $200 for wine, $400 for beer and wine, or $1,000 for all three (beer, wine, and spirits).
- Requires caterers to notify the Liquor and Cannabis Board in advance of each event (including date, time, location) and to provide sponsor information upon request.
- Prohibits use of this license at locations that already hold a liquor license (e.g., restaurants or bars cannot use it to serve at their own venue).
- Mandates that food must be served at events where alcohol is sold or served, per board rules.
Who is affected
- Catering businesses — Catering businesses that serve food and alcohol at events (e.g., weddings, corporate functions, private parties) will be able to obtain a new type of license to legally sell and serve beer, wine, and spirits at those events, provided they meet certain requirements.
- Event sponsors — Organizations or individuals hosting events (e.g., nonprofits, corporations, private parties) can now use a caterer’s license to serve alcohol at their events—even if the event is open to the public—without needing to be a formal society or organization as previously required.
- State licensing agencies — Liquor licensing authorities (the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and Department of Revenue) will be responsible for issuing and overseeing the new caterer’s license, collecting fees, and verifying compliance.
- Existing liquor license holders — Existing licensed venues (e.g., restaurants, bars) are prohibited from using this new license to serve alcohol at their own locations, protecting their existing market share and preventing overlap in licensing.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Creates a new licensing pathway for small and independent caterers to legally serve alcohol at events, expanding revenue opportunities and enabling business growth—especially beneficial for sole proprietors and micro-businesses that previously lacked legal options to serve spirits at weddings or private functions.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1), (2)(a)Expands event sponsorship eligibility to any individual, nonprofit, or for-profit entity—including corporations and LLCs—removing the prior requirement that only formal “societies or organizations” could host events, increasing personal and civic autonomy in organizing private or community events.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)Allows caterers to serve full-service alcohol (beer, wine, spirits) at events without requiring separate event-by-event permits or temporary license applications—reducing administrative burden and compliance costs for small businesses hosting recurring events.
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1), (2)(a)Requires food service at all alcohol-serving events and mandates advance notification of event details to the Liquor and Cannabis Board—supporting responsible service and enabling oversight for public safety without requiring new regulatory infrastructure.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1), (3)Enables homeowners or renters to legally host alcohol-serving events (e.g., weddings, reunions) in private residences through a licensed caterer—expanding consumer choice and reducing legal risk for individuals hosting events at home or non-traditional venues.
HousingLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(1), (2)(a)
Potential Concerns (5)
Mandates food service and event notification, but lacks explicit staffing or training requirements for alcohol service—increasing risk of over-service or impaired driving if staff are not trained in responsible service practices.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1(1), (3), (5)Prohibits existing licensed venues (e.g., restaurants, bars) from using the caterer’s license at their own locations, limiting flexibility for full-service venues that already have trained staff and infrastructure—potentially reducing efficiency and economies of scale.
Business & EmploymentRef: Sec. 1(5)Shifts enforcement responsibility to local jurisdictions and the Liquor and Cannabis Board for verifying compliance with event notifications and sponsor eligibility, potentially straining local law enforcement and licensing staff resources without additional funding.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 1(1), (3)Allows alcohol service at events open to the public without requiring a separate event permit or security plan—potentially increasing risks of disorder, underage drinking, or public intoxication in non-traditional venues (e.g., parks, private homes).
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1(1), (5)The $1,000 annual fee for full-service licenses may be prohibitive for small or new caterers, especially given no fee waivers beyond the expired 2021–2022 period—potentially limiting market entry for low-revenue or startup businesses.
FinancialRef: Sec. 1(2)(a)
Who Is Most Affected
Small and independent caterers gain a new legal pathway to serve full-service alcohol at events, potentially increasing revenue and market access—especially those who previously avoided offering spirits due to licensing barriers.
Event sponsors (including individuals, nonprofits, and corporations) gain flexibility to host alcohol-serving events without formal organizational status—reducing barriers for private individuals and small organizations.
Existing liquor license holders (e.g., restaurants, bars) are barred from using this license at their own venues, protecting their existing market share but limiting cross-utilization of licenses for venues that also do off-site catering.
Local governments gain clearer authority to enforce food-service and notification rules but face added oversight responsibilities without new funding—potentially straining local law enforcement and licensing staff.
Consumers gain more options for alcohol service at private events (e.g., weddings, corporate retreats), but may face inconsistent service quality if caterers lack standardized training in responsible alcohol service.