Is Alcohol Delivery Allowed in Washington State After July 2025?

Picture this: It’s summer, and customers across Washington are ordering wine, cocktails, and craft beer to their doorsteps. Fast-forward to July 1, 2025—those deliveries are no longer legal. Washington State has officially shut the door on alcohol delivery under RCW 66.24.710, ending a pandemic-era convenience that helped bars and restaurants stay afloat.

As a result, no alcohol products may be delivered to customers from bars, restaurants, or retailers in Washington after July 1, 2025. This significant legal change affects delivery drivers, alcohol sellers, hospitality managers, and even customers unaware of the consequences. But while the delivery door is closed, compliance training, safety, and preparation are more vital than ever.

In this comprehensive blog, we’ll break down:

• What the law says now (with official sources)
  
  
• How this change impacts workers and business owners
  
  
• Why alcohol server training is still legally required
  
  
• How to train for other states where delivery is legal
  
  
• What Certification Experts offers to help you stay ahead

Let’s unpack everything you need to know about alcohol delivery—and how to stay 100% compliant in Washington’s new regulatory era.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington temporarily allowed alcohol delivery under emergency authorizations. These provisions allowed restaurants, bars, breweries, and distilleries to deliver sealed alcohol containers and prepackaged drinks with meals. But this was never meant to be permanent.

No. Washington State law clearly states:

• “No alcohol products may be sold by delivery under this section after July 1, 2025.”
  — RCW 66.24.710

• Alcohol cannot be delivered via DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, etc.
  
  
• Licensed bars and restaurants cannot offer delivery or third-party alcohol delivery.
  
  
• Even if the customer is 21+ and ID is verified—delivery is still illegal.
  
  
• In-store pickup, tastings, or in-house service remain legal.

Even though alcohol delivery has ended, alcohol training is still mandatory for all staff who serve, sell, or supervise alcohol consumption on premises.

Permit Type	Age Requirement	What It Covers
Class 13	18-20	Serve alcohol (no bartending or supervision)
Class 12	21 +	Bartend, supervise, and previously—deliver alcohol

Certification Experts offers both:

• Class 13 Alcohol Server Permit
  
  
• Class 12 Alcohol Server Permit

These permits are state-approved, valid for 5 years, and required by the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board (WSLCB).

• You can’t deliver alcohol, but you still need training to serve it.
  
  
• Employers may only hire trained workers to remain compliant.
  
  
• You must carry your MAST permit (or copy) while working.

• You are responsible for ensuring all staff are MAST-certified.
  
  
• Failure to comply may result in license penalties or revocation.
  
  
• Use onboarding tools to track permit types and expiration dates.

Want to work in alcohol delivery outside Washington?

You’ll need certification that includes responsible delivery practices, such as:

• Age verification
  
  
• Refusing delivery to intoxicated customers
  
  
• Legal transport guidelines
  
  
• Handling sealed/unopened containers

Certification Experts offers a National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification, which is ideal if you:

• Deliver in other states (e.g., Oregon, California)
  
  
• Work for national apps like Uber Eats or Instacart
  
  
• Want to stay flexible for cross-border job opportunities

With alcohol delivery no longer permitted in Washington State, it's more important than ever to ensure legal, responsible in-person service across all bar, restaurant, and retail settings. Whether you're a newly hired alcohol server or a seasoned manager overseeing operations, these tips will help you stay compliant, efficient, and prepared.

• Take Your MAST Training Immediately
  Don’t delay your certification. Complete your Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) as early as possible—even before your first shift. This not only helps you avoid legal trouble but makes you a more confident, informed team member.
  
  
• Understand Your Permit Type
  If you're 21 or older, you’ll need a Class 12 permit, which allows bartending and alcohol supervision. If you're 18–20, you'll get a Class 13 permit, which allows you to serve but not mix or supervise alcohol.
  Choose correctly to avoid invalid certification.
  
  
• Keep Your Certificate Safe
  Print a physical copy and also save a digital backup in your phone or cloud drive. Having proof of completion on hand—especially before your physical permit arrives—is essential.
  
  
• Carry Permit + ID On the Job
  Washington law requires you to have both your MAST permit (or a valid temporary certificate) and government-issued ID every time you're on the clock. This applies whether you're behind the bar or running a tray of drinks.

• Track Certification Status from Day 1
  During onboarding, verify whether each new hire has completed their MAST training. If not, guide them through a state-approved provider like Certification Experts or Class-13 MAST.
  
  
• Use Systems to Stay Organized
  Implement digital onboarding tools, shared calendars, or team dashboards to track expiration dates and send reminders for renewal (required every 5 years). This prevents accidental non-compliance during inspections or busy shifts.
  
  
• Educate Your Team About Policy Changes
  Make it clear to all front-of-house and delivery staff that alcohol delivery is no longer permitted under Washington law. Post visible reminders in staff areas and clarify any remaining confusion during staff meetings.
  
  
• Going Multi-State? Prepare Your Staff
  If your business is expanding into nearby states where alcohol delivery is still legal, consider offering dual training. You can enroll your team in the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification to ensure they understand proper delivery protocols where permitted.

Action	Legal In WA?	Remember that...
Delivering alcohol to customers	❌ No	Prohibited by RCW 66.24.710
Serving alcohol on-premises	✅ Yes	Requires MAST permit
Picking up alcohol in-store	✅ Yes	Still legal
Delivery to WA residents via DoorDash, Uber Eats	❌ No	No third-party delivery allowed
Training for delivery in other states	✅ Yes	National delivery training recommended (plus compliance with applicable laws)

As of July 1, 2025, alcohol delivery is no longer legal in Washington State. While that might inconvenience consumers and businesses accustomed to delivery services, the new law makes one thing clear: the focus has shifted entirely to in-person service, training, and compliance.

For business owners, managers, bartenders, and alcohol servers, this isn’t a time to relax, it’s a time to double down on training and preparation. Every person who handles alcohol must be MAST certified with a valid Class 12 or Class 13 permit.

Whether you’re starting a job at a Seattle bar or managing a team at a Bellingham brewery, Certification Experts is your go-to provider for:

• Class 12 MAST Permit (21+)
  
  
• Class 13 MAST Permit (18–20)

And if you plan to deliver alcohol outside Washington, don’t forget our National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification.

Stay compliant, stay informed, and keep serving responsibly.