Are bars and restaurants required to provide food when serving alcohol?

In Washington, the answer to this question is yes. According to the Revised Code of Washington, all establishments that serve alcohol must provide food to patrons at the time of sale. This includes bars, restaurants, breweries, and other establishments that sell or serve liquor. The law states that “It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation, or any employee or agent of such person, firm, or corporation, to sell or furnish alcoholic beverages to any person for consumption on the premises unless food is being provided at the time of sale.” This means that alcohol cannot be sold without food being present at the time of sale. This law is in place to help lessen the chances of people consuming too much alcohol, which can lead to dangerous behaviors, including driving under the influence. There are exceptions to this rule, such as places that serve beer only and not hard liquor. Additionally, if food is available in the same area that liquor is served, then it is not required to be provided at the time of sale. This could include snack foods that are sold in vending machines or pre-packaged items that are ready to eat. Overall, restaurants and bars in Washington are required to provide food when serving alcohol in order to encourage responsible drinking. This rule is important for protecting the public from potential harm caused by excessive consumption of alcohol.

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Are bars and restaurants required to provide food when serving alcohol?

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