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Bill

HB 2536

Allowing wineries to hold a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brandy Donaghy and 5 co-sponsors

Washington bill permits wineries to hold spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses simultaneously, expanding their alcohol service and food operation capabilities without separate licensing requirements.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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Bill Summary · HB 2536

Legislative bill overview

HB 2536 expands licensing flexibility for Washington wineries by allowing them to simultaneously hold a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license in addition to their existing winery license. Currently, wineries operate under separate regulatory frameworks, and this bill removes barriers that prevent them from operating a full-service restaurant with broader alcohol service options on their premises.

Why is this important

This change directly affects winery business models and consumer access to services. Wineries could expand their on-site food and beverage operations without obtaining entirely separate business licenses, potentially lowering regulatory burden and operational costs. It also affects competition dynamics in the hospitality and wine retail sectors and generates questions about how alcohol licensing is managed across multiple license types.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory oversight complexity: Holding multiple licenses simultaneously may create confusion about which regulations apply in different areas of an operation, potentially complicating enforcement and compliance.
  • Competition concerns: Existing restaurant establishments and separate spirits retailers may view this as unfair competitive advantage, allowing wineries to consolidate services competitors must operate separately.
  • Alcohol service standards: Questions remain about whether a single establishment operating under dual licensing frameworks maintains consistent alcohol service training, age verification, and responsible vendor practices across its entire operation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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