Board caucus previews CR102 and CR105 rulemaking packages ahead of tomorrow’s meeting

Staff briefed the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board caucus on several rulemaking projects they will present to the full board at the upcoming meeting.

Jeff outlined CR102 work to implement Engrossed House Bill 1602 for contract kitchens, explaining the bill allows breweries and microbreweries to subcontract food-service requirements or operate mobile food trucks to meet wine-and-beer restaurant licensing requirements; the CR102 package (alcohol portion first) was filed previously as WSR 2519-2 and staff will present a detailed analysis at the board meeting tomorrow.

Daniel previewed an expedited CR105 filing to repeal three trade-practice rules the office says conflict with RCW 66.28.170 after a 2019 court decision. Under expedited procedures (RCW 34.05.353), a CR105 would publish March 18 with a 45-day window for written objections; if no objections are filed, the director's office would seek approval of CR103 on May 6 and the repeal could take effect immediately. Daniel said the board chose not to appeal the 2019 decision and does not expect substantive objections.

Jeff also described rulemaking to implement Engrossed Senate Bill 5206 (effective Jan. 1), expanding advertising options for cannabis retail licensees and prompting revisions to WAC 314-55-155; staff held stakeholder meetings and informal comment periods and plan additional stakeholder sessions in March and April as drafts are finalized.

Justin said staff are prioritizing projects by projected workload and available capacity; several petitions and petitions-within-rulemaking (batch tracking, extended COA expiration dates, heavy-metal testing, harvest-date labeling) remain in the queue. Staff noted some projects may proceed as limited CR105s or CR101s depending on scope and stakeholder input. All items previewed will be presented for action at the board meeting tomorrow.