Bill > SB5399

This bill modifies Washington state liquor licensing regulations to establish a more structured and timely process for reviewing and issuing liquor licenses. The bill requires the Liquor and Cannabis Board to make a decision on liquor license applications within 45 days of receiving a complete application, or the application will be automatically approved. If the board needs additional time to review the application, they can extend the review period by 30 days and must issue a temporary license to the applicant during this extension. If the board fails to make a decision within the extended timeframe, the temporary license automatically becomes a permanent license. The bill also maintains existing provisions about license restrictions, such as considerations of proximity to schools and churches, background checks on applicants, and the board's ability to deny licenses based on chronic illegal activity. Additionally, the bill clarifies that notifications related to license applications can be issued concurrently, potentially streamlining the administrative process for liquor license approvals.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5399&Year=2025&Initiative=false