Is alcohol legal in Washington?

Q: Is alcohol legal in Washington?

Alcohol in Washington is legal only under specific conditions. Washington is not a control state — retail was privatized by Initiative 1183 in 2012: spirits, beer and wine are sold in private retail, and spirits are generally limited to stores of at least 10,000 square feet (grocery, warehouse and specialty stores). The Washington Liquor & Cannabis Board is the regulator.

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WASHINGTON · ALCOHOL

Alcohol

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Conditional: Washington is not a control state — retail was privatized by Initiative 1183 in 2012: spirits, beer and wine are sold in private retail, and spirits are generally limited to stores of at least 10,000 square feet (grocery, warehouse and specialty stores).

Conditional

Summary

Washington is not a control state — retail was privatized by Initiative 1183 in 2012: spirits, beer and wine are sold in private retail, and spirits are generally limited to stores of at least 10,000 square feet (grocery, warehouse and specialty stores). The Washington Liquor & Cannabis Board is the regulator.

Source: app.leg.wa.gov → · Updated August 2, 2026

Washington Alcohol topics

DUI / DWI Limits in Washington →Info
In Washington the per se limit for adults is 0.08% blood alcohol (RCW 46.61.502), and drivers under 21 are held to a zero-tolerance limit of 0.02%.
Open Container Law in Washington →Restricted
Washington bars the driver and passengers from possessing an open container in the vehicle; an open or previously opened container must be kept in the trunk or another area that cannot be reached (RCW 46.61.519).
Sunday Alcohol Sales in Washington →Permitted
Washington permits Sunday sales, with off-premises retail — including spirits — generally running from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, including Sundays.
Last Call Hours in Washington →Info
In Washington, last call is 2 a.m., and it is the same statewide.
Beer & Wine in Grocery Stores in Washington →Permitted
In Washington, groceries and convenience stores sell all three — beer, wine and spirits — as they have since the 2012 privatization.
Where to Buy Alcohol in Washington →Conditional
Washington is not a control state — retail was privatized by Initiative 1183 in 2012: spirits, beer and wine are sold in private retail, and spirits are generally limited to stores of at least 10,000 square feet (grocery, warehouse and specialty stores).

Other Washington laws

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