Washington State capitol building

our accomplishments

advocating for washington brewers

The policies and protections shaping a stronger future for Washington brewers.

2018–Present

Recent Legislation

Expanded outdoor service, blocked harmful taxes, and secured tourism funding for brewery growth.

Modernizing Brewery Operations

HB 1602 (Food Service Flexibility) – Passed

Expanded opportunities for breweries to partner with independently operated food service providers, creating more flexibility in how breweries offer food to customers and enhancing the taproom experience.

HB 1515 (Expanded Outdoor Service) – Passed

Expands opportunities for outdoor alcohol service, including for special events and civic activations—positioning breweries to better participate in large-scale events like the 2026 World Cup.

Fighting Back on Beer Tax and Fee Increases

HB 2079 (Beer Excise Tax Increase) – Defeated

Successfully opposed a proposed 100% increase to the beer excise tax, protecting small and independent breweries from a significant financial burden.

SB 5511 (Canned Cocktails Tax Break) – Defeated

Prevented legislation that would have lowered taxes for spirits-based canned cocktails while increasing taxes on beer—ensuring a more level playing field for craft breweries.

SB 5067 (BAC Reduction to .05) – Defeated

Opposed efforts to lower the legal BAC limit to .05, helping prevent unintended impacts on breweries, hospitality businesses, and local communities - while advocating for stronger penalties on repeat and high-BAC offenders.

SB 5284 (Extended Producer Responsibility) – Amended

Engaged early and successfully negotiated key protections, including an exemption from EPR fees for breweries under $5 million in revenue.

Advancing Tourism Industry & Growth

HB 2325 (Statewide Tourism Funding) – Passed

Supported the creation of a dedicated, industry-led tourism funding program to promote Washington as a destination—benefiting breweries and the broader hospitality sector. The program includes strong industry oversight and participation.

2013–2018

Supporting Growth & Flexibility

Expanded retail flexibility, improved event permitting, and blocked repeated tax increases.

Brewery Taproom & Retail Flexibility

Advanced policies allowing expanded retail privileges, improving customer access and brewery sustainability.

Special Event & Festival Permitting Improvements

Streamlined processes for breweries to participate in festivals and off-site events—fueling Washington’s strong beer culture.

Ongoing Defense Against Tax Increases

Successfully opposed multiple attempts to raise beer excise taxes, maintaining a stable business environment for small producers.

2006–2012

Expanding Market Access

Strengthened self-distribution, enabled off-site sales, and updated production limits.

Self-Distribution Rights Strengthened

Preserved and reinforced the ability for small breweries to distribute their own product, enabling growth without reliance on large distributors.

Farmers Market & Off-Site Sales Access

Opened new pathways for breweries to sell beer at farmers markets and community events, increasing visibility and local engagement.

Increased Production Thresholds

Supported updates to production caps and licensing definitions to better reflect a growing craft industry.

1999–2005

Laying the Groundwork

Established tasting rooms, modernized direct sales, and enabled on-site service.

Brewery Tasting Room Authorization

Helped establish and expand the ability for breweries to operate tasting rooms—now a foundational part of the craft brewery business model.

Direct Sales & Samples Modernization

Secured the ability for breweries to sell pints, samples, and packaged beer directly to consumers, strengthening on-site revenue streams.