Opening a Convenience Store in Washington: Licenses & Permits

Washington lets convenience stores sell beer and wine under a grocery store license, but spirits need 10,000 sq ft of enclosed retail space, more than nearly any convenience store has. Fuel sites get unusual help with insurance through the state's Pollution Liability Insurance Agency. Below is who issues what, and how each rule shapes the store you design.

Licenses and permits at a glance

Fuel tanks: Ecology

The Department of Ecology regulates tanks under chapter 173-360A WAC:

• Notice: notify Ecology 30 to 90 days before installation, then confirm three business days ahead.
• License: apply for the tank license through Department of Revenue business licensing within 30 days of installation. The fee is $258.80 per tank a year from July 1, 2026, rising to $275.65 in July 2027.
• Construction: petroleum tanks installed or replaced since October 1, 2012 must be double-walled, and a new dispenser or connected piping triggers under-dispenser containment.
• Operators: Class A and B operators within 60 days of taking on the role, and Class C operators before.
• Insurance: the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency (PLIA) reinsures private insurers, and since October 2024 its Financial Assurance Program offers state coverage at $1,000 to $2,500 per tank a year by tank age, with no deductible.

Alcohol: the Liquor and Cannabis Board

The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) issues retail licenses:

• Grocery store license: beer and wine, $550 a year per store. The store must keep at least $3,000 of food inventory, not counting pop, beer or wine.
• Spirits: a spirits retail license needs at least 10,000 sq ft of fully enclosed retail space in one building, with storerooms counted and outdoor areas not. The size rule can't be grounds for denial if no other spirits licensee serves the trade area. Spirits licensees pay 17% of spirits revenue plus $550 a year.
• Objections: the city or county has 20 days to object. The LCB may not license new premises within 500 feet of a public K-12 school if the school objects within 20 days.
• Hours: no sales from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
• Staff: employees 18 to 20 may sell beer and wine only if an adult 21 or older is on duty supervising.

Tobacco and vapes

The Department of Revenue issues cigarette, tobacco products and vapor product endorsements on the business license, $175 each per location or $250 for all three. The minimum age is 21, with the Department of Health sign posted. Vapes can't sit in open self-service displays unless under-21s are barred from the store. Since January 1, 2026, all nicotine products, including synthetic pouches, are taxed under the tobacco products tax.

Food service: the local health jurisdiction

The local health jurisdiction issues the permit to operate. Plans must be approved before building or converting a space. A store selling only prepackaged food that doesn't need temperature control isn't a food establishment. Staff handling unpackaged food need food worker cards. Fees and lead times are set by each county.

Sales tax, fuel pumps and lottery

• Sales tax: the state rate is 6.5% plus local taxes. Prepackaged food is exempt, but prepared food, fountain drinks and soda are taxed. Buying for resale requires a reseller permit.
• Fuel pumps: the Washington State Department of Agriculture licenses devices through a Department of Revenue endorsement: $16 per fuel meter of 20 gallons a minute or less, and $20 or $40 per EV charging port.
• Lottery: Washington's Lottery charges a $25 license fee, a $200 setup fee and $15 a week, and pays a 5% commission. A power outlet must be within 8 feet of the equipment.

What this means for your store design

• Plan beer and wine, not spirits, unless the store has 10,000 sq ft of enclosed space or no other spirits seller serves the area. See convenience store sizes and the cooler wall planner.
• Stock $3,000 of food, not counting pop, beer or wine.
• Check for public schools within 500 feet. One objection can block the license. See choosing a location.
• Keep vapes behind the counter or in locked cases.
• Get food plans approved before construction if you'll sell anything beyond shelf-stable packaged food. See food service build-outs.
• Price PLIA coverage when you budget for tank insurance.

Local approvals

Your city or county also controls zoning, building permits, fire inspections and signs, and can object to the alcohol license. Our construction checklist covers the local steps.

For Washington store design, see convenience store design in Washington and walk-in cooler services in Washington.

Sources

• Chapter 173-360A WAC and chapter 70A.355 RCW; Department of Ecology, underground storage tanks; Department of Revenue, UST endorsement; PLIA, agency programs and Financial Assurance Program.
• RCW 66.24.010, 66.24.035, 66.24.360, 66.24.630 and 66.44.340; WAC 314-11-070; LCB, retail license descriptions and fees.
• Chapters 70.155 and 70.345 RCW; Department of Revenue, cigarette, tobacco and vapor endorsements.
• WAC 246-215-01115, 246-215-08200 and 246-215-08300; RCW 69.06.010.
• Department of Revenue, retail sales tax and weighing and measuring device endorsements.
• Washington's Lottery, become a retailer.

This page summarizes official sources as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Fees and rules change, so confirm each one with the agency before you apply.