Washington

Updated: 1/2010

Status: Permitted

Statute

Washington revised code Title 66, Chapter 66.12, §66.12.010 permits the manufacture of wine or beer in any home for consumption therein, and not for sale.

Discussion

§66.12.010 is a very concise exception enabling the production of beer without license or permit. “Beer” is defined as any malt beverage or malt liquor as defined by Washington statute §66.04.010. See §66.04.010 (2) & (17) below.

Special Provisions

§66.28.140 allows for the removal of up-to 20 gallons of family wine or beer (implied by §66.12.010) for use in tastings or competitions.

State Alcohol Beverage Control Agency

• Washington State Liquor Control Board
• 3000 Pacific Avenue SE
• Olympia, WA 98504-3075
• Phone: 360.664.1600

mailing address:

• P.O. Box 43075
• Olympia, WA 98504-3075

Applicable Statutory Material

66.04.010. Definitions

In this title, unless the context otherwise requires:

(2) “Beer” means any malt beverage or malt liquor as these terms are defined in this chapter.

(17) “Malt beverage” or “malt liquor” means any beverage such as beer, ale, lager beer, stout, and porter obtained by the alcoholic fermentation of an infusion or decoction of pure hops, or pure extract of hops and pure barley malt or other wholesome grain or cereal in pure water containing not more than eight percent of alcohol by weight, and not less than one-half of one percent of alcohol by volume. For the purposes of this title, any such beverage containing more than eight percent of alcohol by weight shall be referred to as “strong beer.”

66.12.010. Wine or beer manufactured for home use

Nothing in this title other than RCW 66.28.140, applies to wine or beer manufactured in any home for consumption therein, and not for sale.

RCW 66.28.140. Removing family beer or wine from home for use at wine tastings or competitions — Conditions.

(1) An adult member of a household may remove family beer or wine from the home subject to the following conditions:

(a) The quantity removed by a producer is limited to a quantity not exceeding twenty gallons;

(b) Family beer or wine is not removed for sale; and

(c) Family beer or wine is removed from the home for private use, including use at organized affairs, exhibitions, or competitions such as homemaker’s contests, tastings, or judging.

(2) As used in this section, “family beer or wine” means beer or wine manufactured in the home for private consumption, and not for sale.

Note: The information presented here is to the best of our knowledge and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice specific to the laws of your state.