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LCB rules team briefs board on a dozen open rulemakings and timelines
Summary
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board rules team told board members it has 12 open rules projects — from contract kitchens to advertising and product placement — and outlined stakeholder sessions, anticipated timelines and an economic analysis for some items.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board’s rules team told board members on Dec. 2 that it currently has 12 open rulemaking projects and is moving several toward stakeholder drafts and formal rule filings. Kevin, speaking for the rules team, said the group will share revised drafts and hold additional sessions over the next few months.
“ We currently have 12 open rules projects at various stages in the process, and things are generally moving along as expected and on track,” Kevin said. He cited completed stakeholder sessions on draft rules for contract kitchens, forthcoming drafts for cannabis R&D testing and a stakeholder feedback session for cannabis advertising tentatively set for Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Why this matters: the number and pace of rulemakings will shape how cannabis and alcohol businesses comply with new state requirements next year. The rules team signaled three-month timelines for some economic work and late-spring or early-summer targets for final rules in specific projects.
Details: for contract kitchens (implementing engrossed House Bill 1602) staff expect few statutory questions and plan a revised draft by year end with a CR-102 phase tentatively scheduled for February. For internal cannabis R&D testing and samples, staff aim to issue a stakeholder draft in January; Kevin said partner agencies including the Department of Health and the Washington State Department of Agriculture have sought clearer definitions about what must be reported in the CCRS traceability system.
The rules team also previewed a stakeholder process for implementing engrossed Senate Bill 5403 on cannabis retail management agreements, noting more than 70 letters submitted by Washington Association of Cannabis Licensees members and additional comments from the Washington Cannabis Business Association (WACCA). Kevin said staff expect a revised draft and more sessions in January.
Staff flagged retail alcohol product placement as an item that will require a cost–benefit economic analysis and industry surveys; Kevin said that analysis will likely take about three months. Expanded alcohol service areas rules (implementing 2nd substitute House Bill 1515) will be the subject of a public hearing on Dec. 11 and could move to CR-103 after the board’s January meeting if no substantive changes are needed.
Next steps: staff will circulate revised drafts and stakeholder notices, conduct the announced hearings and present analyses to the board as these projects proceed.
