Washington State Alcohol Laws
In Washington State, many rules and statutes deal with alcohol, from who may consume and purchase alcohol to when and where alcohol may be sold. Understanding the alcohol laws in your area is important, as violating them may lead to fines or even jail time.
In this state, beer, wine, and spirits may be sold in package stores. Store hours may vary based on local ordinances but are typically open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday sales are permitted in certain locations.
While spirits may not be sold in grocery stores, beer and wine may be purchased at these stores seven days a week. Alcoholic beverages may be served in restaurants and bars from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. seven days a week.
The age limit to sell alcohol in a convenience or grocery store is 18 years old. The age limit to serve alcohol in a bar or restaurant is 21 years old, also the legal age to consume alcohol.
It is against the law for drivers over the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08 percent or higher. BAC may be determined by a blood, breath, or urine test. If a driver has a BAC over this legal limit, he or she may be charged with “per se” intoxication.
Additional penalties may be incurred for drivers with a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher.
Because of Washington State’s Zero Tolerance laws, a driver under the age of 21 with a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher may be arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
If a driver refuses to take a breath, blood, or urine test, his or her license will be suspended under Washington’s “implied consent” laws, which state that a driver must take a chemical test if requested by a law enforcement agent. Refusing to take the test results in a one-year license suspension.
Failing the chemical test also results in a driver’s license suspension. The suspension is 90 days for the first offense, two years for the second offense, and three years for the third offense.
Washington’s open container law states that all opened bottles of alcohol must be transported in the vehicle’s trunk.
If you have any questions about Washington’s alcohol laws, contact an experienced attorney today.
