Planning to bring a bottle of wine to dinner? You might be surprised by what’s actually allowed in Washington state. The rules are specific, and getting them wrong could cause real problems.
This guide breaks it all down in plain English. No legal jargon. Just the facts you need.
What Is BYOB?
BYOB stands for “Bring Your Own Bottle.” It means bringing your own alcohol to a restaurant, event, or venue instead of buying it there. Some people do it to save money. Others do it to enjoy a special bottle they already own.
Pretty straightforward concept, right? But Washington’s alcohol laws make it a little more complex than just grabbing a bottle and walking in.
How Washington Handles Alcohol
Washington is a control state. That means the government has a big say in how alcohol is sold, served, and consumed. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, known as the WSLCB, oversees all of this.
Basically, every business that serves alcohol needs a license. Every event where alcohol flows needs some kind of permit. This matters a lot when it comes to BYOB.
BYOB at Restaurants
Here’s the good news. Yes, BYOB is allowed in Washington. But the rules depend a lot on the type of restaurant.
Restaurants Without a Liquor License
Some restaurants in Washington choose not to hold a liquor license. These places can legally allow you to bring your own wine or beer. They don’t need a special permit to let you do this.
Wondering if a restaurant has a liquor license? Just ask when you call to make a reservation. Most are happy to tell you.
Licensed Restaurants and Corkage Fees
Here’s where it gets interesting. Many licensed restaurants in Washington also allow BYOB, especially wine. They can charge you what’s called a corkage fee. This is basically a service charge for letting you bring your own bottle.
Corkage fees in Washington typically run anywhere from $5 to $40 depending on the restaurant. High-end places charge more. Casual spots charge less.
The good news about corkage fees? According to the Washington Department of Revenue, these fees are not subject to retail sales tax. They may still be subject to business and occupation tax, but that’s the restaurant’s problem, not yours.
Okay, this one’s important. Just because a restaurant is licensed does not mean they automatically allow BYOB. Some licensed restaurants say no. Always call ahead to confirm.
Beer vs. Wine vs. Spirits
Most BYOB in Washington revolves around wine. Bringing beer is less common. Bringing your own spirits, like whiskey or vodka, is very rare and often not allowed even at BYOB-friendly restaurants.
This part can be tricky, honestly. When in doubt, stick to wine. It’s what most restaurants expect and plan for.
BYOB at Private Events
Planning a wedding, birthday party, or retirement celebration? This is where banquet permits come in.
What Is a Banquet Permit?
A banquet permit allows you to serve alcohol at a private, invitation-only event held in a public place or business. Think of it like a one-day permission slip for alcohol. You buy it, you bring the booze, guests drink it for free.
The key word here is free. Guests cannot pay for drinks at a banquet permit event. No cash bar. No ticket sales. No donations accepted in exchange for drinks. The liquor must be free of charge.
Examples of events that qualify include weddings, company banquets, retirement parties, and club or church events.
How Much Does a Banquet Permit Cost?
A banquet permit costs $25 per day. So a three-day event would cost $75. You can apply through the WSLCB’s online portal. You will need an email address and a credit or debit card.
Think of it like a parking permit, but for alcohol at your party. One simple step that keeps everything legal.
Important Banquet Permit Rules
There are a few rules to know before you apply. The event must be invitation-only. You cannot advertise it to the general public. And you cannot charge any kind of admission or entry fee.
Also, liquor enforcement officers can show up to inspect any event with a banquet permit. That’s totally legal. Make sure everyone at the event is 21 or older before they drink.
Open Container Laws
Washington has strict open container laws. You cannot drink alcohol in a public place. You cannot open a bottle of liquor outside in a park, on a sidewalk, or in any other public space.
Violating this law is a Class 3 civil infraction under RCW 66.44.100. That means a fine, not jail time. But it’s still something you want to avoid.
Stay with me here. There are exceptions to the open container rule. Washington law allows some places to get permission for outdoor drinking. These are called expanded outdoor alcohol service areas. But these require special permits held by the business, not by you personally.
Taking Unfinished Wine Home
A lot of people don’t realize this is even an option in Washington. If you order wine with your meal at a licensed restaurant, you can take the unfinished portion home. The server must recork or reseal the bottle for you.
Same goes for liquor you bring in through a banquet permit. If there’s some left, the bottle must be resealed in its original container before you leave with it.
This is actually a great little perk. No need to rush through your bottle.
What Counts as a Violation?
Most people assume this is legal. They find out the hard way. Don’t be one of them.
Allowing alcohol consumption at a business without a license or permit is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 66.24.481. That applies to both the business owner and in some cases the event organizer.
A gross misdemeanor in Washington can mean up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $5,000 for a business. For individuals, penalties vary by situation.
For businesses that repeatedly operate without a license, the fines go up and the consequences get more serious with each offense.
Local Laws May Be Stricter
Here’s something most people miss. Washington allows local cities and counties to create their own alcohol rules. Local laws can be stricter than state law. The stricter rule always wins.
So what’s allowed in a small town might not fly in Seattle. And what works in Spokane might be different from Tacoma. Always check local rules for your specific city.
How to Stay Legal
Honestly, following BYOB laws in Washington is not that complicated once you know the basics. Here’s what you should do.
Call ahead to any restaurant before bringing a bottle. Ask if they allow BYOB and whether there’s a corkage fee. Get the answer in writing or at least confirm it with a staff member on arrival.
If you’re hosting a private event, apply for a banquet permit well in advance through the WSLCB portal. Keep the permit with you at the event. Do not charge guests anything for alcohol.
If you are at a licensed restaurant, follow the restaurant’s rules. They know their license requirements better than anyone.
And remember, no drinking on public streets, sidewalks, or parks unless a business has a specific outdoor permit that covers that space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own wine to any restaurant in Washington?
Not always. You need to call ahead and confirm. Some restaurants allow it, some don’t. Licensed restaurants may allow it for a corkage fee.
What is a corkage fee and how much is it?
A corkage fee is a charge restaurants apply when you bring your own wine. In Washington, fees typically range from $5 to $40 depending on the restaurant.
Do I need a permit to bring alcohol to my own party at a rented venue?
If the venue is a public place or business, yes. You will need a banquet permit from the WSLCB. It costs $25 per day.
Can I drink on the beach or in a park in Washington?
No. Washington’s open container law prohibits drinking alcohol in public places. Violation is a civil infraction with a fine attached.
Can I take unfinished wine home from a restaurant in Washington?
Yes. If you ordered wine with your meal, the server can recork the bottle and you can take it home. This is legal under Washington state law.
Are there BYOB rules specific to Seattle?
Seattle follows state law but may have additional local requirements. Always check with the venue and the City of Seattle’s Special Events guidelines for outdoor or event-specific situations.
Final Thoughts
Washington is more BYOB-friendly than many people think. You can bring wine to restaurants, host private events with a simple permit, and even take unfinished bottles home. The key is knowing the rules before you show up.
Now you know the basics. Call ahead, get permits when needed, keep alcohol out of public spaces, and enjoy your bottle the right way. When in doubt, check the WSLCB website or ask a lawyer.
