Washington State Banquet Permit Explained (Simply): How to Stay Legal at Your Next Event

So, you're planning a wedding, a big retirement bash, or maybe just a fancy office party in Washington. You’ve got the venue, the catering is sorted, and the guest list is finally under control. Then someone asks the million-dollar question: "Wait, do we need a liquor license for this?"

Usually, the answer is a Washington state banquet permit.

Honestly, people freak out about this more than they should. It’s not a full-blown commercial liquor license. It’s basically just a piece of paper from the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) that says, "Hey, we're having a private party, and we're going to have some drinks, but we aren't running a bar for profit."

If you mess this up, though, things get awkward fast. LCB officers actually do spot checks. Imagine an officer showing up at your wedding reception while Uncle Larry is mid-toast and asking to see your permit. If you don't have it, the party stops. Right then.

What Exactly Is This Thing?

The Washington state banquet permit is a one-time-use permit for private, invitation-only gatherings. The keyword here is private.

If you are selling tickets to the general public, this is not for you. If you are putting an ad on Facebook saying "Everyone come grab a beer at our fundraiser," you’re in the wrong lane. For those types of events, you’d need a Special Occasion License, which is a whole different animal usually reserved for nonprofits.

A banquet permit is for:

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• Weddings and receptions.
• Company holiday parties or retirement send-offs.
• Club or church socials.
• Any gathering where the guests were specifically invited and the public is kept out.

The "No Sales" Rule (Don't Skip This)

This is where people usually trip up. You cannot sell alcohol under a banquet permit. Period. No "suggested donations." No "cash bar." No "buy a $10 ticket for a drink."

The liquor has to be free to the guests. Or, alternatively, it can be a "BYOB" situation where guests bring their own. You can charge a flat "package price" for the whole event—like a $50 ticket that covers dinner, music, and drinks—as long as you aren't making a profit on the alcohol portion specifically.

Essentially, the state wants to make sure you aren't acting like an unlicensed tavern. If money changes hands for a glass of wine, you’ve broken the rules.

When Do You Actually Need One?

You might be thinking, "Can't I just drink at my party without the government getting involved?"

Sometimes, yes. You don't need a Washington state banquet permit if:

1. The event is at your private home.
2. The event is hosted by an individual, not a business or organization.
3. There is absolutely no charge for anything (not even for the food or the ice).
4. The general public isn't allowed in.

But here is the catch: most venues—like community centers, rented halls, or even some public parks—will require you to have one regardless of those rules. They want to protect themselves. If you’re renting a space, check your contract. They’ll likely ask for a copy of your permit before they even let you load in the kegs.

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How Much Does It Cost?

The price has fluctuated slightly over the years depending on system updates, but for 2026, you're looking at $25 per day.

If you have a three-day event (maybe a rehearsal dinner, the wedding, and a post-wedding brunch all at the same rented hall), you’d need to pay for each day. It’s non-refundable. If the party gets canceled because of a blizzard or a breakup, the LCB keeps the cash.

Getting the Permit: A Step-by-Step

The process is actually pretty fast. You do it online through the LCB portal. You don't even need to create a permanent account most of the time; you can just go in as a guest for a one-off permit.

1. Age Check: You must be 21 or older to apply. Obvious, but worth saying.
2. Information Gathering: You'll need the exact address of the venue, the date, and the start/end times. Note that legal service hours are 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
3. Guest Count: They’ll ask how many people are coming and how many are under 21.
4. The "Wait" Period: Unlike some state documents that take weeks, you can usually get these instantly. You fill out the form, pay with a credit card, and they email you the PDF.

Pro tip: Print it out. Do not just keep it on your phone. The law says it has to be "prominently displayed" at the event. Tape it to the bar or the front door of the hall.

Real-World Rules for the Night Of

Once you have your Washington state banquet permit in hand, you aren't totally off the hook. There are "behavioral" rules you have to follow.

First, you can't serve people who are already visibly intoxicated. If your buddy Dave has had six IPAs and is starting to wobble, the permit doesn't protect you if you keep pouring.

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Second, minors cannot drink. Even if it's a "private" party and even if their parents are there, Washington is strict about this. No "sips" for the 19-year-old cousin.

Third, the alcohol has to be purchased at retail. You can’t buy it from a wholesaler or get it "donated" by a liquor brand for promotional purposes. You go to the grocery store or a liquor outlet, pay full price (including all those lovely Washington spirits taxes), and keep the receipts just in case.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Kinda surprising how often people get this wrong, but don't try to use a banquet permit for a business promotion.

If you own a clothing boutique and want to serve champagne at a "Grand Opening," a banquet permit isn't the right move. Why? Because the goal is to get people into the store to spend money. That’s a business purpose. For that, you’d usually look into a "Serve Employee and Guest" permit or similar specific licenses.

Also, watch out for the "public place" definition. A parking lot might feel private, but if the public can walk through it, the LCB considers it public. If your event is outdoors, you need to have some kind of physical barrier (like a fence or stanchions) that keeps the "uninvited" public out of the drinking area.

Final Actionable Steps

If you're within 30 days of your event, it's time to act. Don't wait until the morning of the party.

• Confirm with your venue: Ask them exactly where they want the permit posted.
• Go to the LCB Portal: Search for "Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board Banquet Permit."
• Pay the $25 fee: Use a debit or credit card.
• Check your spam folder: The PDF often ends up there.
• Assign a "Permit Person": Give a printed copy to your bartender or a trusted friend. Their only job is to point at it if anyone from the city or state walks in.

Honestly, it’s one of the cheapest and easiest parts of event planning in Washington. Just get it done, post it up, and then you can actually enjoy the party without looking over your shoulder.