Modernizing the regulation of alcohol service in public spaces.
House Bill 1515 modernizes the regulation of alcohol service in public spaces for liquor licensees and local governments in Washington state. Until December 31, 2026, it allows local governments to request expanded outdoor alcohol service for certain licensees, offering flexibility for outdoor area enclosures and the ability for multiple businesses to share these spaces. Additionally, until December 31, 2027, the bill authorizes expanded indoor and outdoor alcohol service in designated fan zones or host cities during specific events. This enables multiple licensees to operate within a shared, approved event area, provided local governments ensure public safety and cleanliness. The bill aims to facilitate safe event experiences, particularly in preparation for a major international sports event in 2026.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Jan 22, 2025
Signed May 19, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons
What changed between versions
Second Substitute Bill
→
Second Substitute Passed Legislature
·
6 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates Washington State's alcohol service rules to better prepare for the 2026 international sports event by extending the authorization timeline and lowering population thresholds for cities eligible to host expanded outdoor and indoor alcohol service. The changes aim to modernize regulations for safer crowd management and improved guest experiences while ensuring strict safety and age-restriction protocols are maintained.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include cities with populations over 220,000 (previously 400,000) for hosting events on civic campuses, and the authorization period for expanded outdoor alcohol service was extended from 2026 to 2027.
TIMELINE
The authorization for expanded outdoor alcohol service in public spaces was extended from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
ELIGIBILITY
The minimum population requirement for cities to request expanded alcohol service on publicly owned civic campuses was lowered from 400,000 to 220,000 residents.
Cities with populations over 220,000 (previously 400,000) are now eligible to receive caterer's licenses for events on publicly owned civic campuses.
DEFINITION
The maximum size limit for a 'publicly owned civic campus' eligible for expanded alcohol service was increased from 75 acres to 100 acres.
REQUIREMENT
The requirement for local law enforcement patrols to be present during outdoor alcohol service was removed, shifting the focus to ensuring adequate resources are available generally.
FISCAL
The language regarding fees imposed by the board was changed from 'may' to 'must' to ensure costs for administrative and enforcement are covered.
Floor votes · Senate Apr 16, 2025 · House Apr 22, 2025
How they voted
39–12
Passed
Total votes 51
Apr 16, 2025
D
Democratic31
83% Yea
R
Republican20
65% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
45
Key actions
26
Committee
24
May 19, 2025
Signed into law
Governor signed.
executive
Apr 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
President signed.
upper
Apr 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
Speaker signed.
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed final passage; yeas, 80; nays, 16; absent, 0; excused, 2.
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred in Senate amendments.
lower
Apr 16, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.
upper
Apr 16, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (39-12)
senate
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.
upper
Apr 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 12:00 PM.
upper
Apr 1, 2025
Committee
Referred to Ways & Means.
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Committee
And refer to Ways & Means.
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
LC - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce at 10:30 AM.
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce at 10:30 AM.
upper
Feb 28, 2025
Committee
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM.
lower
Feb 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 1:30 PM.
lower
Feb 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to Appropriations.
lower
Feb 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
lower
Feb 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business at 1:30 PM.
lower
Feb 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business at 8:00 AM.
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business at 1:30 PM.
lower
Jan 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business at 1:30 PM.
lower
1 primary · 9 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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