PDFWAC 314-29-020
Group 1 violations against public safety.
(1) Group 1 violations are considered the most serious because they present a direct threat to public safety. Violations beyond the first violation do not have a monetary option upon issuance of a violation notice. The liquor and cannabis board may offer a monetary option in lieu of suspension days based on mitigating circumstances as outlined in WAC 314-29-015(4).
(2) Group 1 violations will be counted sequentially rather than independently by group. For example, if a licensee received a violation for over service on one day and a violation for sale to a minor a week later, the sale to a minor would be treated as a second offense since both violations are in the same violation group.
Violation Type | 1st Violation | 2nd Violation in a two-year window | 3rd Violation in a two-year window | 4th Violation in a two-year window |
Violations involving minors: Sale or service to minor: Sale or service of alcohol to a person under 21 years of age. Minor frequenting a tavern, lounge, or other restricted area. RCW 66.44.270 RCW 66.44.310 WAC 314-11-020 WAC 314-16-150 | 5 day suspension or $500 monetary option | 7 day suspension | 30 day suspension | Cancellation of license |
Sale or service to apparently intoxicated person: Sale or service of alcohol to, or permitting consumption or possession by, an apparently intoxicated person. RCW 66.44.200 WAC 314-16-150 | 5 day suspension or $500 monetary option | 7 day suspension | 30 day suspension | Cancellation of license |
Conduct violations: Disorderly conduct by licensee or employee, or permitting on premises. Licensee and/or employee intoxicated on the licensed premises and/or drinking on duty. Criminal conduct: Permitting or engaging in criminal conduct. WAC 314-11-015 | 5 day suspension or $500 monetary option | 7 day suspension | 30 day suspension | Cancellation of license |
Refusal to allow an inspection and/or obstructing a law enforcement officer from performing their official duties. RCW 66.28.090 RCW 66.44.370 WAC 314-11-090 | 5 day suspension or $500 monetary option | 7 day suspension | 30 day suspension | Cancellation of license |
Condition of suspension violation: Failure to follow any suspension restriction while liquor license is suspended. WAC 314-29-040 | Original penalty plus 10 day suspension with no monetary option | Cancellation of license |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030 and 2024 c 250 § 4 and 5. WSR 24-13-096, § 314-29-020, filed 6/18/24, effective 7/19/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030 and chapter 66.24 RCW. WSR 18-21-115, § 314-29-020, filed 10/17/18, effective 11/17/18; WSR 16-19-106, § 314-29-020, filed 9/21/16, effective 10/22/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030. WSR 09-21-050, § 314-29-020, filed 10/14/09, effective 11/14/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. WSR 03-09-015, § 314-29-020, filed 4/4/03, effective 5/5/03.]