Bill > HB1977

This bill amends Washington state law regarding liquor sales and server protections by adding new provisions that shield individual servers from personal financial liability in civil lawsuits related to serving alcohol. Specifically, the bill requires retailers to pay all legal expenses and monetary judgments when a civil action is brought against a server for allegedly selling liquor to a visibly intoxicated person. The retailer must cover the server's defense costs and any resulting monetary judgment, and the judgment creditor can only seek damages from the retailer, not the individual server. The bill defines a "server" as any person working for a retailer whose job involves preparing, selling, or serving alcohol. While providing this protection, the bill maintains that servers can still be personally responsible for fines assessed by liquor enforcement officials or peace officers for violations. The provisions do not limit potential legal actions against the retailer itself and aim to provide additional legal protection for employees in the alcohol service industry while maintaining accountability for responsible alcohol service.

Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1977&Year=2025&Initiative=false