Breweries FAQ | Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board

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Breweries FAQ
I heard there was a state tax increase on beer in Washington. Where can I learn more?
The Washington State beer tax high rate increased June 1, 2010. The rate does not apply to Washington State Microbreweries, Domestic breweries, or Out-of-State beer producers who have been approved to report and pay at the reduced tax rate.
When are tax reports due?
Tax reports must be submitted or postmarked on or before the 20th of the month following activity. A report must be filed each month, including those months when there is no activity. When the 20th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday, the filing must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service no later than the next postal business day.
If you do not have any activity to report, you can file tax reports in advance.
Breweries may file their monthly tax reports and make payments online using the WSLCB’s Online Tax Reporting and Payment System. The system is available 24 hours a day, allows you to view previously filed reports, and is secure and confidential.
Can a domestic brewery or microbrewery hold a retail liquor license?
Yes, the brewery or microbrewery licensee may hold up to two retail liquor licenses operated on or off the premises of the brewery or microbrewery. The retail license can be a tavern; beer and/or wine restaurant; or a spirits/beer/wine restaurant.
Can a microbrewery holding a spirits/beer/wine restaurant or beer/wine restaurant hold a caterer’s endorsement?
Yes. You must complete an Application for Added Endorsement.
Can I contract produce beer for someone else?
An in-state microbrewery can contract produce for another in-state microbrewery.
Both microbreweries must be a bona fide microbrewery and produce malt beverages.
Both microbreweries must claim production against their allotted 60,000 barrels.
There must be a written contract between the two microbreweries.
Do I need a federal permit to make beer?
If the product you produce will be sold, then you need a federal permit along with a state liquor license. Visit the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, U.S. Department of the Treasury, at www.ttb.gov/ for more information about federal permits.
Homemade beer
Can I make homemade beer at my home for private consumption?
Yes. A license is not required if the beer is for private consumption and is not for sale.
Homemade beer is not required to be consumed in the home where it was produced.
Homemade beer may be removed from the home for private consumption.
The amount of homemade beer an adult may remove from the home is 20 gallons.
Use of homemade beer at organized affairs, exhibitions, or competitions is considered private consumption.
Additional locations
What is allowed at my additional location?
You may sell drinks by the glass of beer of your own production, sell bottles to go, and offer food.
Pouring off premises
Can a brewery pour beer off their brewery premises?
Yes, but only at the following:
At a grocery store sampling event.
A beer tasting exhibition (event designed specifically for beer) or judging event.