Following is a list of reasons the board may deny a liquor license application. Per RCW 66.24.010, the board has broad discretionary authority to approve or deny a liquor license or permit application.
- (1) Failure to meet qualifications or requirements for the specific liquor license or privilege, as outlined in this Title 314 WAC and Title 66 RCW.
- (2) Failure by any person or entity associated with the application to submit information or documentation requested by the board.
- (3) Refusal by any person or entity associated with the application to submit information or documentation requested by the board.
- (4) Misrepresentation of fact by any person or entity associated with the application.
- (5) Failure to meet the criminal history standards outlined in WAC 314-07-040.
- (6) Failure to meet the liquor law or rule violation history standards outlined in WAC 314-07-045.
- (7) Source of funds used for the acquisition, startup and operation of the business is questionable or unverified.
- (8) Objection from the local authority or from the public (see WAC 314-09-010 and RCW 66.24.010(8)).
- (9) Objection from the following entities if they are within five hundred feet of the proposed business: A public school, a private school that meets the requirements of chapter 28A.195 RCW, a church, or a public college or university. See WAC 314-09-010 and RCW 66.24.010(9) for more information. Note: Per RCW 66.24.010(9), the board may not issue a new liquor license if the board receives objection from a public school within five hundred feet of the proposed licensed business.
- (10) The board determines that the issuance of the liquor license will not be in the best interest of the welfare, health, or safety of the people of the state.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030. WSR 17-12-030, § 314-07-065, filed 5/31/17, effective 7/1/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030 and 66.24.010. WSR 15-11-106, § 314-07-065, filed 5/20/15, effective 6/20/15; WSR 10-10-126, § 314-07-065, filed 5/5/10, effective 6/5/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.015, and 66.24.025. WSR 05-07-012, § 314-07-065, filed 3/4/05, effective 4/4/05.]