What happens if I serve alcohol without a liquor license?
If you serve alcohol in Washington without a liquor license, you may be subject to significant fines and penalties. Depending on the circumstances, this could include criminal charges, civil liability, or both. State law also makes it a criminal offense to sell, give, or deliver alcohol to minors. In Washington, it is illegal to serve, sell, or provide liquor to anyone under the age of 21. If you are found guilty of doing this, you could face fines of up to $5,000, up to one year in jail, or both. In addition, you may be held personally liable for any damages or injuries that result from your actions. If you are found guilty of selling or providing liquor without a license, you could face misdemeanor charges, a business license revocation, a civil fine of up to $1,000 per violation, or a combination of all three. Additionally, the restaurant or other business location where you served the liquor without a license could be subject to closure. As you can see, it is essential to obtain a liquor license before providing or serving alcohol in Washington. The penalties for serving without a license are severe, and those found guilty may be held personally and financially liable for any damages or injuries experienced by others.
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