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We're drawing the line between youth and alcohol:

Providing alcohol to minors is a gross misdemeanor, with a potential penalty of $5,000 and a year in jail.  Read RCW 66.44.270.

 

Washington has new outdoor advertising rules to reduce youth exposure to alcohol ads:

1. Four Sign Limit:  Limits to four the number of signs advertising alcohol brand names and manufacturers that are affixed or hanging in the window or on the outside of stores and other premises visible from the right of way.
  • The rule does not apply to the business trade name or neon or other signs inside the premises that are visible from the outside, but intended to reach inside patrons.
  • Signs that do not list manufacturer or brand are not included in the sign limit. For example, “happy hour well drinks $1.50.”
2. 1,600 Square Inch Limit:  Restricts the size of alcohol signs visible from the outside of retail licensed premises to 1,600 square inches (equivalent to 32” x 50”).
3. 500’ Distance Limit:  Specifies the distance from schools, places of worship, playgrounds or athletic fields where advertising is allowed by replacing the former term “close proximity” with the new “500 feet.”
  • Ads are allowed within 500’ if neither the administrative body nor local authority objects.
  • The 500’ limit applies to signs (billboards, etc.); it does not include licensed premises.
4. Rules Apply to Civic Events (community fairs and festivals)
The rules apply to signs at civic events where alcohol is served, such as beer gardens, and also clarify state law regarding sponsorships at civic events.  Alcohol promotional items may only be given to people over 21 years old.
For a complete description of the new advertising rules, visit Laws and Rules. If you feel a business is not following one of these rules, you may submit a report to the Washington State Liquor Control Board.  Enforcement officers will visit the business to help them comply.

Learn about other laws and rules to protect youth:

Juvenile Driver's License

  

Loaning your ID to a minor
 
     

Adults hosting parties and furnishing alcohol to minors

  

Fake IDs
 
     

Minors buying alcohol

  

Minors in bars
 

Report a Liquor Law Violation

If you know of a store, restaurant, or bar that sells alcohol to or serves minors and want to notify the Washington State Liquor Control Board, visit http://www.liq.wa.gov and click on the shield icon and complete the form.


Call 911 if there is imminent danger.


Model Laws and Policies

The National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse, Alcohol Policy Information System Web site presents information on eleven policy topics that are particularly relevant to underage drinking. This site also lists each state's laws regarding this topic. http://www.alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov