New WA law allows expanded outdoor drinking zones ahead of 2026 World Cup

World Cup revelers don't have to worry about going out of bounds with their drinks next summer.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson in May signed into law House Bill 1515, which makes it easier for cities and businesses to host free-ranging drinking zones. The law goes into effect July 27 — after Seattle's Club World Cup festivities end — and runs until the end of 2027, giving the state a long trial window to see if it's worth keeping on the books permanently.

The law allows governments to ask the state Liquor and Cannabis Board for businesses to have expanded outdoor alcohol service in public spaces and civic campuses such as Seattle Center. There is also a provision for June and July of 2026, the two months of the 2026 World Cup, for businesses to have expanded alcohol service in public spaces during multiday events in designated fan zones or host cities.

Lumen Field next summer will host four group-stage matches and two knockout-round matches for the 2026 World Cup, the most-watched sporting event in the world. Forty-eight national teams will participate in the World Cup, with games spread across cities in Mexico, Canada and the U.S. Team USA, Canada and Mexico get automatic bids as host nations.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2025/06/19/world-cup-beer-gardens-washington-fifa-alcohol.html