You just landed a serving or bartending job in Washington State. That is great news — but there is a legal clock ticking from day one.
Washington State law requires every new hospitality employee to obtain a MAST permit within 60 days of their hire date. Miss that deadline, and you cannot legally serve alcohol. Your employer faces potential violations. And your new job could be over before it really started.
This guide breaks down exactly how the 60-day window works, what happens if you miss it, and a step-by-step timeline to get certified well before your deadline.
TL;DR: You have 60 days from your hire date to complete a WSLCB-approved MAST course and receive your permit. You can legally serve alcohol during this window. After day 60 without a permit, you face fines, criminal citations, and job loss. Most online courses take under 3 hours — do not wait until day 59.
What Is the 60-Day MAST Window in Washington?
The 60-day MAST window is the grace period Washington State gives new hospitality hires to complete their Mandatory Alcohol Server Training and obtain a Class 12 or Class 13 permit.
Under WAC Chapter 314-17, anyone hired to serve, mix, sell, or supervise alcohol at an on-premises licensed establishment must complete a WSLCB-approved training course within 60 calendar days of their initial hire date.
During this 60-day window, you are legally allowed to work and handle alcohol while completing your training. Think of it as a conditional period — you can do the job, but the state expects you to get certified while you are doing it.
Not sure which permit you need? If you are 21 or older, you need a Class 12 Mixologist permit. If you are 18 to 20, you need a Class 13 Server permit. Here is a full breakdown of Class 12 vs. Class 13 permits to help you decide.
When Does the 60-Day Clock Start?
Day 1 is your first day of employment in a position that involves alcohol service. This is your hire date — not the first day you personally pour a drink or take an alcohol order.
This is a common misunderstanding. Some new hires assume the clock starts the first time they actually serve a customer a beer or mix a cocktail. That is incorrect. If you were hired as a server at a restaurant with a liquor license, the 60-day countdown begins on your first day of work — even if you spend week one in orientation or training on the food menu.
The bottom line: Your employer’s hire date is the date that matters. Mark it on your calendar and count forward 60 days. That is your hard deadline.
What Happens on Day 61 Without a MAST Permit?
This is where the 60-day window stops being a suggestion and becomes an enforcement issue. If you do not have a valid MAST permit by day 61, the consequences are real — for both you and your employer.
Consequences for the Employee
- You cannot legally serve, sell, or handle alcohol. Full stop.
- Criminal citation — serving without a valid permit can result in a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail under WAC 314-17-025.
- Permit suspension — if you hold a permit from a previous role and it has lapsed, penalties escalate with each violation under WAC 314-17-105.
- Job loss — most employers will terminate an uncertified employee immediately rather than risk their own license.
Consequences for the Employer
- WSLCB administrative action against the establishment’s liquor license.
- Monetary fines assessed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
- Potential license suspension or revocation for repeated or serious violations.
- Liability exposure — if an uncertified employee is involved in an alcohol-related incident, the business carries significant legal risk.
Employers cannot simply look the other way. The WSLCB actively enforces these requirements, and allowing an uncertified employee to serve alcohol past the 60-day window puts the entire business at risk.
What Are the Employer’s Responsibilities?
If you manage a bar, restaurant, or any on-premises licensed establishment in Washington, the 60-day window creates specific obligations for your business.
Employers must:
- Verify permit status at hiring — confirm whether a new hire already has a valid MAST permit or is within the 60-day window.
- Track the 60-day deadline for every new employee who handles alcohol.
- Maintain records of all employee MAST permits and their expiration dates.
- Remove uncertified employees from alcohol service after day 60 — no exceptions.
The permit belongs to the employee, not the employer. But you can (and should) request a copy for your records. For more on the MAST program and how it works, see our beginner’s guide.
What Should New Hires Do? A Step-by-Step Timeline
Do not wait until day 59. Here is a simple timeline that gets you certified well before the deadline:
Week 1: Enroll in an Online MAST Course
Sign up for a WSLCB-approved course as soon as possible after your hire date. An online course lets you complete the training on your own schedule — no classroom required.
Weeks 1-2: Complete the Course and Pass the Exam
With Dash Authority, the course takes under 3 hours. You can log on and off at your own pace and take the final exam when you are ready.
Weeks 2-3: Receive Your Permit Card
After you pass, your completion is reported to the WSLCB and your physical permit card is mailed to you. Most students receive their card within 2-3 weeks.
Week 3: Provide Documentation to Your Employer
Give your employer a copy of your permit. Keep the original — the MAST permit is your property and must be on your person (along with valid ID) during any shift involving alcohol. You can use the same permit at multiple jobs across Washington.
Pro tip: Your provider may take up to 30 days to mail your physical permit. That is why enrolling in week 1 — not week 8 — matters. The earlier you start, the more buffer you have.
How Can Employers Stay on Top of MAST Compliance?
Managing MAST permits across a team does not have to be complicated. Here is a quick checklist:
- [ ] Add MAST permit verification to your onboarding checklist — ask every new hire for their permit number and expiration date on day one.
- [ ] Set calendar reminders for each employee’s 60-day deadline.
- [ ] Keep a digital log of all employee permits, expiration dates, and renewal status.
- [ ] Partner with an online provider that offers group enrollment — it simplifies tracking when you are onboarding multiple hires at once.
- [ ] Schedule a 30-day check-in — if a new hire has not enrolled in a course by day 30, escalate immediately.
For help choosing the right MAST provider for your team, we have compared the top approved options in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 60-day MAST window in Washington?
The 60-day MAST window is the period Washington gives new hospitality employees to complete WSLCB-approved training and obtain their permit. It is established under WAC Chapter 314-17 and applies to anyone who serves, sells, mixes, or supervises alcohol at on-premises licensed establishments. The clock starts on your hire date.
Can I serve alcohol during the 60-day window without a permit?
Yes. During the 60-day grace period, you are legally allowed to serve and handle alcohol while completing your MAST training. If you are under 21, a Class 12 permit holder must be on duty to supervise you.
What happens if I miss the 60-day deadline?
You cannot legally serve alcohol, and you face potential criminal citations, fines up to $500, and up to 90 days in jail. Your employer also risks WSLCB administrative action against their liquor license. Most employers will terminate an uncertified employee rather than risk their business.
Does the 60-day window apply to all alcohol-related jobs?
It applies to on-premises service roles — servers, bartenders, managers, and anyone handling alcohol at a licensed establishment. However, employees conducting alcohol tastings at off-premises locations (grocery stores, wineries, farmers markets) must have a valid Class 12 permit before they start. There is no 60-day grace period for tastings.
Can my employer extend the 60-day window?
No. The 60-day window is established by Washington State law. Neither your employer nor the WSLCB can grant extensions. Day 61 is a hard deadline.
How quickly can I get my MAST permit?
You can complete an online MAST course in under 3 hours. After passing, your completion is reported to the WSLCB and your permit card is mailed to you — typically within 2-3 weeks. With Dash Authority’s online course, you can start and finish the same day. Learn more about the full process in our guide on how to get your Washington MAST permit online.
Do Not Wait Until Day 59
The 60-day window closes faster than most people expect. Between starting a new job, learning the menu, and figuring out your schedule, it is easy to push MAST training to the back burner — until suddenly you are out of time.
The smartest move is the simplest one: enroll in your first week.
Dash Authority’s online MAST course is WSLCB-approved, takes under 3 hours, and you can complete it from your phone or laptop on your own schedule. No classroom. No commute. No excuses.
Your 60-day clock is already running. Make it a non-issue.
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