Sampling Law Desk

Washington Alcohol Sampling and Tasting Laws

Last checked: November 6, 2026 (WAC page loaded).

This is not legal advice. It is a plain-English summary of public law. Rules change and local governments often add their own. Verify with the state agency linked below before you plan a tasting.
  • A spirits retailer may get a spirits sampling endorsement if it is in the responsible vendor program and submits a sketch of a barriered sampling area.
  • Each sample is at most one-half ounce of spirits, with no more than one and one-half ounces per person per visit. Food must be available, and customers stay in the service area.
  • "All employees serving spirits during sampling events must hold a class 12 server permit," and at least two employees must be on duty.
  • The licensee sends a monthly list of scheduled samplings to its regional enforcement office.

Verify

with the LCB whether anyone other than the licensee's employees may pour. The rule refers to employees.

Official sources

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Not legal advice. Summary of public law as of the date shown. Always confirm with the state agency and your own counsel.