Committee hears bill to let breweries subcontract food service and host mobile vendors

The Consumer Protection & Business Committee on Jan. 29 heard testimony on House Bill 1602, a bill that would allow breweries and microbreweries that hold restaurant liquor licenses to subcontract or sublease food service obligations to other operators, including mobile food units or independent food vendors.

Peter Klawfelter, committee staff, explained that certain restaurant liquor license categories require food service while brewery and microbrewery licenses do not. "House bill 1602 would change liquor laws in 2 partly related areas," Klawfelter said, describing the subcontracting and mobile‑unit provisions. He noted the LCB currently defines what constitutes "complete meals" and that the LCB must verify exclusive rights to premises under existing rules.

Representative Kevin Waters, the bill’s prime sponsor and a longtime brewery owner, said the bill responds to breweries that prefer to focus on brewing and not operate full kitchens. "Breweries really are realizing that they don't wanna run restaurants. They just wanna make their beer and sell it," Waters said, urging the committee to support flexibility that would allow local food vendors, caterers, and food trucks to partner with breweries.

Supporters told the committee the change would help rural and small breweries that cannot sustain full kitchen operations while promoting food availability for patrons. Daniel Olson, executive director of the Washington Brewers Guild, testified that the bill "keeps customers safer by ensuring a variety of food options are available when they're enjoying a beer" and would help both breweries and local food vendors form partnerships.

Committee questions covered operational details. Representative Reeves asked whether the model would allow rotating mobile vendors; Waters said the bill as drafted presumes longer‑term arrangements but that food trucks already operate adjacent to taprooms in many places. Representative Ryu asked whether the legislation should provide a grace period to avoid a lapse between subcontractors; Waters said breweries are not currently required to have food on premises and that an operational gap would be a business decision between the parties.

Two brewery owners testified in support by remote and in‑person testimony. Justin Lee, owner of Dwinelle Country Ales (Goldendale), told the committee the bill would make it feasible for small, rural breweries to open additional locations without the cost and staffing burdens of a full kitchen.

The committee closed the public hearing on HB 1602 after receiving testimony; staff recorded 53 pro sign‑ins and 1 con for the bill on the public record.