Board approves CR-102 to let breweries use contract kitchens to meet restaurant-food rules

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board approved filing a CR-102 package to implement Engrossed House Bill 1602, permitting domestic breweries and microbreweries to subcontract with or operate mobile food units to satisfy food-service requirements for beer-and-wine or spirits-beer-and-wine restaurant licenses.

Jeff Kildall of the Director’s Office described the proposed amendments as changes to three WAC sections that would allow breweries and microbreweries "to contract, lease or sublease out space for food service purposes," let mobile food units sell nonalcoholic items, and require separate storage and contract documentation for non-tax-paid alcohol. He said the informal comment period and a virtual stakeholder meeting were held in late 2025, and that if filed the CR-102 hearing will be on April 9 and final rules could take effect June 6. "If the CR-102 package is approved for filing today, it will be filed and a public hearing on the proposed rule amendments will be held on 04/09/2026," Kildall said.

Board members asked no substantive questions; a board member moved to approve the CR-102 and the motion was concurred and carried. The filing begins the formal rulemaking timeline that will include a public hearing and opportunities for written comment. The Director’s Office said the rules also would set storage requirements, require contract diagrams and inspection information in filings to the LCB, and require timely notice of changes to contractor or kitchen plans.

The board’s approval authorizes staff to proceed to the formal notice and hearing process; the Director’s Office said it would return with final CR-103 language if the rulemaking proceeds on schedule.