New COVID guidelines allow indoor seating for WA breweries under certain conditions

SEATTLE — Washington State’s Liquor and Cannabis Board has issued new guidelines for breweries, which will allow customers to sit inside and have a beer again.

But the brewery must meet certain conditions that allow them to be considered a restaurant versus a bar – bars can't allow indoor seating until Phase 4.

That classification has been a big concern for Washington breweries. Beautiful summer weather means they have been serving customers outside – but with fall and chilly weather around the corner, many were worried how they would survive Western Washington’s long rainy season.

“Most breweries are limping along,” said Sara Nelson, co-owner of Fremont Brewing. “We are operating at a loss. But we’re fortunate to have some reserves,” she said.

When Washington State started reopening from the shutdown, breweries were initially considered restaurants, which allowed for distanced indoor seating. But that changed in July.

“Breweries were reclassified as bars,” Nelson said.

The Washington Brewer’s Guild said that impacted about 300 breweries across the state. It hit Fremont Brewing hard, which has a large indoor space.

“About 40 percent of our business went away -— so that was worrisome. And worse for breweries that don’t have outdoor space,” Nelson said.

But now, different hospitality groups have worked with the state to push through new changes that took effect on Aug. 20 — changes the Washington Brewer’s Guild is calling a “lifeline” to many breweries as the rainy season approaches.

“There’s a lot to worry about. I feel very fortunate these new regulations have come down,” Nelson said.

Basically, breweries must serve at least three menu items -- food that's more than just a snack -- to be classified as a restaurant and have indoor seating rights.

The guidelines say, a brewery must “Offer no less than three menu items meeting the food types as required under the Safe Start guidelines (such as sandwiches, salad, soup, pizza, hamburgers, fry orders, or substantial hors d’oeuvres/appetizers).”

An adjacent food truck does not count.

Fremont Brewing partnered with Salumi just before COVID hit and offers pre-packaged sandwiches and a charcuterie tray.

As of a few days ago, it is back to serving beer and food outside as well as inside.

“It’s a win-win for local breweries and also local restaurants,” Nelson said. “The spirit of the regulations is that we have to provide a seated experience that keeps people at their table and safe,” she said.

The Washington Brewer’s Guild didn’t have a specific number on how many, but said breweries across the state are now working to make changes to add food options and reopen indoor seating.

Cox Media Group