Thursday, October 1, 2026
Bars, restaurants and other liquor license holders in Lacey are getting more drinking room during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The City of Lacey received approval from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to authorize expanded outdoor service under House Bill 1515, a 2025 state law modernizing outdoor alcohol service regulations.
The LCB granted the city authority to let eligible businesses create temporary outdoor alcohol service zones, the city announced on Thursday, May 28.
Eligible licensees include spirits, beer and wine restaurants, taverns, domestic wineries, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries and snack bars. Applicants must be located within Lacey city limits and operate out of a building with indoor dining.
Two other separate approvals are required before outdoor service can begin.
Businesses must first obtain a Temporary Use Permit through the Lacey Community and Economic Development Department for a $258 fee, and then file an expanded alcohol service attestation through the LCB portal at no additional cost.
Per city requirements, outdoor service areas must be physically enclosed by barriers at least 42 inches high. Stanchions, fencing and planter boxes all qualify as barriers.
Entry and exit openings cannot exceed 10 feet, and at least one Mandatory Alcohol Server Training-certified employee must be assigned to the area whenever patrons are present.
Additional conditions may apply depending on the size and scope of the operation. The city can require adjusted operating hours, noise mitigation, parking and traffic management plans, and private security.
The Washington Legislature framed HB 1515 as a dual-purpose measure, one that aims to benefit the restaurant and hospitality industry as Washington hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It also sets out to prevent overservice, underage access and alcohol from leaving designated premises.
Lacey is also a co-host of the Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone at Port Plaza in Olympia, a waterfront FIFA World Cup festival organized with the cities of Olympia, Tumwater, as well as Thurston County. The festival runs over four match days in June, with general admission at $10 and VIP tickets at $75 per person.
The expanded service authorization runs through Dec. 31. Application materials are posted on the Lacey Economic Development web page under the Temporary Expanded Alcohol Services tab.
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chrispc2u
What a
Friday, May 29 Report this
Buffie
Just curious, as an ignorant citizen who pays zero attention to soccer...when is the world cup and why oh why ...oh, never mind.
Red herring abound.
Saturday, May 30 Report this
TheVirtualOne
How about “no drinking zones”? Don’t we already have enough carnage due to drunks on the roads? This is simply encouraging more of that. If people want to drink and watch soccer, perhaps they should stay home.
Saturday, May 30 Report this
Boatyarddog
I agree with The Virtual One on this statement
TheVirtualOne
"How about “no drinking zones”? Don’t we already have enough carnage due to drunks on the roads? This is simply encouraging more of that. If people want to drink and watch soccer, perhaps they should stay home." It a sensible Approach!
Sunday, May 31 Report this