Washington Leg Votes To Allow Alcohol Delivery For Next 2 Years

OLYMPIA, WA — Early in the pandemic there were so many unknowns and so few answers. How long is this going to last? How does the virus spread? Should I be wearing a mask? Should I go to work?

One thing we knew pretty quickly, however, is that some of us were probably going to need a few drinks to get through it.

On March 25 — after the stay-at-home order but whole months before the mask mandate — the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) relaxed their restrictions allowing restaurants to allow alcohol deliveries during the pandemic. At first only sealed bottle deliveries were allowed, but it wasn't long before the rules were relaxed further to allow for the delivery and pick up of mixed drinks. At the time, the LCB said those privileges would be revoked once the pandemic ended.

Now, the Washington Legislature says, we're going to need to keep this party going.

As Eater Seattle first reported, the legislature has approved House Bill 1480, which the state summarizes as an "act relating to extending certain privileges granted to liquor licensees to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic." But basically, it means alcohol delivery is a go for the next two years.

That includes bottles of alcohol, but also premixed cocktails, cocktail kits, growlers and wine by the glass.

Bill sponsors say the legislation isn't just for fun: wineries, bars and taverns have been some of the hardest-hit industries during the pandemic, and the hope is that these relaxed restrictions will help them recoup some of their losses.

All the bill needs now is Gov. Jay Inslee's signature and our slurps will be secured.