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Senate committee hears bill to let cities expand outdoor alcohol service, including 'sip-and-stroll' zones for events
Summary
A bill that would let local governments apply to the Liquor and Cannabis Board for expanded outdoor and event alcohol service — including secured fan‑zone walk‑around drinking at large events — drew support from cities, event organizers and hospitality groups at a Senate Labor & Commerce hearing.
The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee heard testimony on second substitute House Bill 1515, which would let local governments request temporary approvals from the Liquor and Cannabis Board for expanded outdoor alcohol service and limited indoor/outdoor service during specified large events. Representative Julia Reed, prime sponsor, told the committee the measure is permissive: local governments must opt in and submit plans to the Liquor and Cannabis Board for approval.
Reed said the bill has three parts: expanded outdoor dining flexibilities for any city, port or county; a "sip-and-stroll" pilot for designated fan‑zone or World Cup host‑city events that creates secured perimeters where patrons may buy and walk with drinks; and targeted authorization for large cities to operate expanded service on publicly owned civic campuses. "Local jurisdictions maintain control," Reed said, adding organizers must submit security, crowd‑management and ID‑verification plans and that the authorization is temporary.
Supporters argued the approach improves crowd flow and safety compared with fenced beer gardens. Mark Jones, division director at Seattle Center, said a prior pilot showed "there were no increase in safety incidents, better crowd flow, and more enjoyable experience for guests." Zach Sapone, Spokane City Council member, said Spokane’s family‑friendly festival ordinance showed walk‑around alcohol policies can keep families together during events. Event producers and ports also backed the bill, with Gloria Connors of the Seattle fan celebration saying flexible service is needed to meet FIFA expectations for fan zones.
Hospitality industry representatives told the committee the expanded outdoor dining provisions reflect customer expectations established during COVID and urged removal of the bill’s sunset to give restaurants time to implement changes. Shonda Wits, representing the Washington Hospitality Association, said the bill "maintains local control" but asked the committee to remove the temporary expiration so local businesses have time to adapt.
Committee staff told members the Liquor and Cannabis Board fiscal note estimates about $500,000 in costs to the board from the liquor revolving account for 2025–27 and modest revenue from fees; Reed said fees would be set by rule and are not fully reflected in the current fiscal note. Senators asked about age‑verification and over‑service protections; committee staff said those details are not specified in the bill text but that local approval plans would have to address them. No formal committee action on the bill was recorded during the hearing.
