Page 180 - Washington Nonprofit Handbook 2018 Edition

• If the location or venue requires any other permits for the event, those
permits must also be obtained.

• To raffle liquor at an unadvertised, members-only event requires a
raffle permit from the WSLCB and a raffle license from the Washington
State Gambling Commission (WSGC). Information for how to apply for
these and other licenses from the WSGC is available online at
https://www.wsgc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/forms/apps/4-028-
f-nonprofit-org.pdf.

• Liquor cannot be raffled at any event that is open to the public.

If a nonprofit organization is helping to put on an event, or will benefit from it
in some way, a banquet permit is necessary even if the invitations come from
individuals (from board members or key fundraising volunteers, for example).

To apply for a banquet permit go to https://lcb.wa.gov/licensing/online-
banquet-permit; an email address is required to receive a printable copy of the
permit and a debit or credit card is necessary for payment of the $10 (per day) fee.
Further information about banquet permits is available on the WSLCB website at
https://lcb.wa.gov/licensing/banquet-permits.

Special Occasion Licenses: A Special Occasion License allows a nonprofit
organization to sell liquor at a specified date and place and is required when
alcohol will be sold to participants during events like fundraising dinners, galas,
auctions, and wine tastings. The application can be found online at
https://lcb.wa.gov/publications/licensing/forms/LIQ-285-App-for-Special-Occasion-

License-for-NP.docx and must be filed by mail at least 45 days in advance of the
event.

All proceeds from liquor sales must be retained by the nonprofit
organization; no other person or entity may receive a share or percentage. The
liquor may be purchased at wholesale or retail from any vendor licensed to sell
liquor in Washington; organizations recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3)s or 501(c)(6)s
may also receive donated liquor from producers or distributors.

The fee for a special occasion license is $60 per day, per location. Special
occasion licenses are limited to 12 single-day events per calendar year. WSLCB will
notify the mayor or county executive of the location where the event will be held;
that official will have an opportunity to comment on whether or not the license
should be granted.

WASHINGTON NONPROFIT HANDBOOK -169- 2018