Independently examines and approves applications and permits submitted for licensure as a liquor reseller, privately owned stores, restaurants, special events, brewery, and wine distributor (retail and non-retail) or distributor; cannabis producer, processor, or retailer; and/or a gambling facility, manufacturer, distributor and service supplier or for an individual working in a gambling activity. Ensures that established criteria and regulations are met so that licenses and permits are issued to qualified businesses and individuals. Reviews complex documents such as maps, applications, violation history, corporate entity structures, financiers, etc. Provides guidance regarding WACs and RCWs, to customers to determine regulations and business ideas. Makes recommendations on and/or issues a variety of licenses including Class III Gaming certifications for employees in tribal casinos, interim licenses and 60-day temporary licenses. Ensures application’s compliance on an on-going basis and that legal obligations are met.

At the fully qualified working level, positions evaluate a variety of information and documentation in order to assess an application. Positions conduct interviews to determine eligibility and legitimacy of funds; obtain and review necessary information such as financial statements, loan documents, investment statements, leases, purchase and sale agreements, closing documents, and criminal records and investigations of individuals, spouses, employees, and third party interests to determine legitimacy of documentation and potential hidden ownership.  

Independently manages an assigned caseload of investigations for liquor reseller, privately owned stores, restaurants, special events, brewery, and wine distributor (retail and non-retail) or distributor; cannabis producers, processers and retailers or gambling licenses; evaluates, documents and summarizes investigation findings in a report for approval, denial, or commitment; request management/operating agreements and trust documents if mentions in interview per license per WAC 314-07-035;

Independently reviews all required complex documents provided by applicant, works and provides verbal and written communication to applicant, public and local authorities;

Reviews, evaluates and processes all new and changes in liquor, cannabis, or gambling licenses and permits, interim licenses, temporary licenses, miscellaneous transactions submitted for individuals, multi-level corporation, general and limited partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, sole proprietors, charitable and non-profit organizations; to include outside vendors and event planner license requests. Ensure licensees take proper step to ensure public safety and consumption and receive training if needed. Licenses are short or longer term;

Ensures applicant compliance on an on-going basis and that legal obligations are met;
Works with local authorities regarding license approval and changes. Work as a liaison between and to inform the public, LCB Enforcement & Education, and local authorities of any licensing issues;

Review renewal applications, and alteration requests for compliance;

Coordinates with state and local government authorities, tribal authorities, schools and churches for their input; and modifies conditions of existing license privileges to conform to liquor and gambling laws and regulations;

Conducts interviews with applicants to work through the process, provide advice, provide guidance regarding WACs and RCWs, work out the complexity and corporate entity structure, financier etc.;

Provides oral and written qualifications assessments and licensing information to applicants, business professionals, staff, and local, state and federal agencies;

Detects and investigates discrepancies and clarifies application information through inquiries and correspondence; recognizes need for a more extensive investigation and prepares report detailing findings of investigations for qualification and determination for supervisor;

Examines by-laws to determine membership and membership requirements, organizational structure and purposes; evaluates meeting minutes, and organizational activities for compliance with statutory and other requirements;
Identifies other added endorsements such as axe throwing or other activities within a facility serving liquor;

Participates in the interpretation, development and/or changes to laws, rules, policies, procedures, and desk-top manuals; researches laws, regulations, and manuals to inform and assist applicants through the licensing process; attends and completes required training courses;

Calculates processing fees, processes and authorizes refunds to licensees; provides professional-level fingerprint rolling and processing for applicants;

May provide guidance or train lower-level staff;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: departmental programs, laws, regulations, policies and procedures; research methods, data collections, correspondence preparation and guidelines; business technology; basic office practices.

Ability to: read, understand, interpret and apply complex laws, policies and procedures, rules, and regulations; communicate effectively and maintain courteous attitude with public and agency staff; follow written and oral directions; read, comprehend, interpret, and analyze application information in accordance with established procedures; write clearly; analyze multiple documents; establish priorities and meet multiple deadlines and adapt to changing laws, and procedures.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Completion of two years of college or business school with major study in finance, business or public administration, economics, law, accounting, criminal justice, or a closely allied field. 

                                                                              OR

Two years of experience that included analyzing and interpreting program financial documents, laws and regulations for license qualification and issuance and interviewing and research/review duties involving public contact.

New class consolidates: (formerly 48411 Gambling License Technician; 48920 Liquor License Specialist 2 ) Adopted May 11, 2007 Effective July 1 2007
Revised definition and distinguishing characteristics; adopted as an emergency handout on May 14, 2015, effective May 15, 2015.
Revised title, definition and DCs; adopted August 13, 2015; effective August 14, 2015.
Revised 02/09/2023 to update Definition and Typical Work pursuant to a language change as a result of implementation of RCW 34.05.353 to replace every occurrence of the term “marijuana” with “cannabis” in rule throughout Title 314 WAC, effective 02/10/2023.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
Revised definition, typical work, knowledge and abilities and base range increase from 42 to 46; adopted June 23, 2025, effective July 1, 2025.