Final Prep - Getting Ready for Opening Day

Liquor and Cannabis Control Board Inspection

• The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board will conduct a new liquor license technical support visit within six weeks of opening – but some liquor licenses may require inspection before you open your doors.
• Your local enforcement officer can help you understand liquor laws and regulations. The officer will check your required signs, answer any questions, and review operations with you.
• Officers will conduct ongoing enforcement inspections, such as compliance checks and premises visits, to ensure you’re serving safely.
• You are required to post signs and licenses at your business based on your license type. These signs are available at no charge once you obtain your liquor license. Liquor Control Board enforcement officers and local law enforcement will look for these signs and licenses when visiting your business.

Hire and Train Employees

Hiring the right employees is one of the biggest factors in your success, and hiring and sustaining employees correctly and legally will be an ongoing responsibility. Make sure you’re ready when the big opening day arrives.

You must complete federal and state employment applications and report regularly on wages and taxes. By the time you’re ready to hire employees, you should already have established accounts and completed the registration and licensing requirements with the Washington Department of Revenue, the Department of Labor and Industries, Washington State Employment Security Department, and the Office of the Secretary of State (unless you’re a sole proprietor).

Employer Registration

• New Business – Read Section 10 of the Start Your Business chapter of the Washington Small Business Guide.
• Existing Business – Read Section 2 of the Grow Your Business chapter of the Washington Small Business Guide.
• Federal Requirements – The Internal Revenue Service requires you to collect employee information for your records and for required reporting. The Department of Homeland Security requires Form I-9, which must be completed within 3 days of hire. You also need to deposit and report federal employment taxes.
• State Requirements – Within 20 days of hire, newly hired and re-hired employee information must be reported to the state Department of Social and Health Services New Hire Reporting Program using the My Secure DSHS system. Employers are required to follow state workplace wage and hour requirements and to submit quarterly reports and payments to Labor and Industries and Employment Security.
• Teen Workers – Labor and Industries has numerous requirements related to employing workers under 18 years old, including obtaining a Minor Work Permit and completing an authorization form for each minor worker. the Department of Labor and Industries’ Teen Workers page provides complete information on hiring minors.

Employee Training

• Washington State Food Worker Cards – All employees of a food establishment, including cooks, bartenders, servers, hosts, bus persons, etc. are required to obtain a Food Worker Card. The class and test are available online or in-person at Spokane Regional Health District.
• Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) – A MAST permit is required for managers, bartenders, and other employees who serve alcohol or supervise its sale for on-premises consumption. This applies to liquor-licensed establishments like restaurants, nightclubs, taverns, and others.
• Safety and Health Training- Employers are required to provide training employees on the accident prevention program.

Employee Safety and Well-being

• Employee Workplace Posters – Employee workplace notices are required or recommended by several state and federal agencies and must be posted where employees can read them. Posters are available free from state and local regulatory agencies
• Safe Workplace – Employers must have a written accident prevention program and must provide employees with a safe workplace. Labor and Industries has a Restaurant Industry Safety & Health webpage with customized information and resources to help develop a program.
• Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans- the Spokane Valley Fire Department requires a Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan for buildings with occupancy of 100 or more per IFC Section 404.2. Contact them at (509) 928-1700 if you have any questions.

Get Expert Advice → Free health and safety consultations are available through Labor & Industries.