House Bill 2035, introduced in Washington on March 9, 2025, aims to amend the regulations surrounding the licensing of businesses that serve alcohol, specifically targeting the annual fees and operational guidelines for combined beer, wine, and spirits licenses.

The bill proposes an annual fee of $1,500 for this license, which is a notable increase from previous amounts. However, it includes a significant provision that waives these fees for a 12-month period starting two months after February 28, 2021, for licenses that expire during this timeframe. This waiver also extends to individuals who were previously licensed within the year leading up to the waiver period. Notably, the bill specifies that those who had their licenses suspended for health and safety violations related to COVID-19 guidelines or received citations for non-compliance with emergency proclamations will not be eligible for the fee waiver.

In addition to the fee structure, House Bill 2035 outlines requirements for license holders to notify the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board of any catered events where alcohol will be served. The board is tasked with creating rules to govern these notification requirements. Furthermore, the bill allows license holders to store liquor on other premises they control, provided these locations are owned or leased by the licensee. However, it prohibits catering events at venues already licensed to sell liquor.

The introduction of this bill has sparked discussions among stakeholders in the hospitality industry, with some expressing concerns about the increased financial burden due to the higher licensing fees. Others argue that the fee waivers could provide much-needed relief to businesses recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications could significantly affect local businesses, particularly those in the catering and hospitality sectors. The potential for increased operational costs may lead to further debates on how to balance regulatory measures with support for economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. The next steps will involve committee reviews and possible amendments as lawmakers consider the feedback from industry representatives and the public.