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In Washington, anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages in a restaurant or lounge, or conducts tastings at a grocery store, is required to receive a Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST). This requirement includes managers, bartenders, and employees that supervise the sale of alcohol.
The MAST course must be taken within the first 60 days of employment.
Searching for various state-approved training providers, however, can sometime be a headache. Also, states like Washington have specific requirements for those who wish to bartend or serve.
This is where we come in…
Here, you’ll find all of the important information you need to jump-start your employment as a bartender or server in the state of Washington.
Overview
| License Required? | Yes |
| Years Valid | 5 |
| Deadline | Within 60 days of employment |
| Governing Body | Liquor and Cannabis Board |
Class 12 vs Class 13 MAST Permits
The state of Washington has two different types of permits for employees who sell and/or serve alcohol.
Class 13 Servers Permit: At least 18 years old
A Class 13 Servers Permit is the required license for individuals who are at least 18 years old and serve alcohol to customers.
Please note the word “serve” here. What this means is that a Class 13 Permit holder is allowed to:
- carry made drinks to customers
- pour beer or wine into a customer’s glass at their table
Class 13 Permit holders are not allowed to mix drinks or draw beer or wine from a tap.
Class 12 Mixologist Permit: At least 21 years old
A Class 12 Mixologist Permit is for managers, bartenders, and servers who are 21 years or older. A holder of a Class 12 Permit has all of the authorizations of a Class 13 Permit, plus the ability to:
- supervise Class 13 Permit holders
- Sell, mix, or draw alcohol
- conduct alcohol tastings
In any establishment that sells or serves alcohol, at least one Class 12 Permit holder must be on duty at all times.
Pro Tip: To upgrade from a Class 13 to a Class 12 permit once you have turned 21 years of age, contact the provider or trainer that issued the permit to you and you will be able to upgrade quick and easy. Don’t remember who your provider was? You can use the state’s permit checker.
Getting a Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) Permit
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) every year reviews and certifies third party providers and trainers to license alcohol servers. Classes are available both online or in a classroom setting.
Approved online and offline providers can be found here. Although the training will only vary slightly among the providers, WSLCB does not regulate the costs of training programs. Thus, costs vary usually between $10 to $45 (Online classes are typically cheaper)
Classes are at minimum 3 hours long and will have an exam after completion. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, your provider will report the completion to the WSLCB and you should receive a permit within 30 days.
If you have not received your permit within 30 days, contact the provider and/or trainer. If you still do not receive it, contact the WSLCB MAST program at mast@lcb.wa.gov
IMPORTANT: You should have your MAST permit and a valid form of ID on you at all times while working. This is because law enforcement inspections can happen randomly. For convenience, we recommend you make a copy of your permit for your employer. You should keep the original permit with you at home in a safe place. Violation of this law could result in a criminal citation with penalties up to $500
How long is a MAST Permit Valid?
The MAST permit is good for five (5) years and will expire on the first day of the month following the month you took your test. For example, if you took the test on May 10, 2023, your permit will expire on June 1, 2028.
Can You Renew a Washington Permit?
Unfortunately, the MAST permit is not renewable. To prevent working without a valid permit, it is advised that you take a new course 45 days prior to your current permit expiration. There is no grace period to obtain a new permit once your original permit expires.
Checking The Status of Your Permit
Follow this link here to access your current permit information. You will need to either enter your full name and date of birth, or your permit number. Note: Your information will not appear if your permit has expired!
Minimum Age to sell and serve alcohol
Individuals aged 18, 19, or 20 years old who have a Class 12 Servers Permit can legally take orders for, serve, and sell alcoholic beverages as long as a manager is present. This includes carrying drinks to a customer or pouring beer or wine at the customer’s table. Anyone between the age of 18 and 21 may not mix drinks or pull alcoholic beverages from a tap.
Individuals aged 21 years or older may sell, mix, and serve beverages as long as they have a Class 13 Mixologist Permit.
