Board approves filing CR102 to implement HB 1515 expanding outdoor alcohol service areas

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board voted to accept filing of a CR102 rulemaking package to implement House Bill 1515, which expands where people may carry alcoholic beverages from licensed establishments into designated public areas.

Daniel Jacobs, the Board’s policy and rules coordinator, told the board the bill creates three authorizations: an expanded outdoor alcohol service area, a Civic Campus authorization for cities with populations above 220,000 (limited to 25 events per year), and a Fan Zone authorization for any city designated a 2026 FIFA World Cup fan zone for a single event in June or July 2026. "The Civic Campus authorization allows cities with populations more than 220,000 to have a civic campus operate as a public alcohol consumption area for liquor licensees for 25 events a year," Jacobs said.

The CR102 proposal would require participating local jurisdictions to submit a joint operating plan with a map of sales locations, entrances and exits, barrier placement and measures to prevent sales to people under 21. Jacobs said the LCB will require those plans and will have authority to add requirements. "The joint operating plan also gives LCB authority to add requirements, and we're going to require submission of a map that indicates where alcohol will be sold, entrances and exits, where the barriers will be placed, and adjacent public streets," he said.

The proposal sets fees intended to cover agency costs: $1,700 for the expanded outdoor service authorization application, $1,500 per Civic Campus event, $3,900 per Fan Zone event and an additional $185 per day for special occasion licensees that participate in Civic Campus or Fan Zone events. Jacobs said the calculation mirrors figures discussed with legislators during the session. The rulemaking includes a public comment period and a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.; staff anticipate final rule language could be adopted early in 2026 if no substantial changes are needed.

Board members asked how the rules would address spaces shared with businesses that do not hold liquor licenses. Jacobs gave examples — such as a fast-food franchise that does not sell alcohol — and explained LCB’s authority is limited to licensed establishments. "We don't have any regulatory authority over those businesses that don't have licensees," he said, noting the rule places guardrails on licensees' conduct when their patrons enter shared public areas. The statute also requires local jurisdictions to report back to the legislature and to the LCB on outcomes, which staff said will help evaluate requests for extensions or changes to the authorizations.

The board moved to accept the CR102 filing after discussion. The record shows the filing was approved for public notice and comment.