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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Special Event & Festival Permitting Improvements

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Direct Sales & Samples Modernization

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