Feb 14, 2022
2022 has arrived and with it comes the annual changes to labor laws and regulations! If you’re an employer, there’s no time like the present to make sure you’re ready to take on whatever challenges 2022 has in store. There are some updates that are relevant to all Washington State businesses, and some that are particular to only those in Seattle proper.
Washington State
There are changes to some alcohol to-go ordinances. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) announced liquor licensees will need to apply for new endorsements to continue to-go alcohol sales after January 1.
The Legislature passed E2SHB 1480 last session which allows alcohol to-go sales through June 30, 2023! However the additional permanent rules filed by the LCB mean that restaurant licensees for spirits, beer and wine will need to apply for three separate endorsements to continue selling the products allowed for sale.
Licensees will need to apply for a Factory Sealed Containers endorsement, Cocktail Kits/Premixed Drinks/Wine To-Go endorsement and a Growlers endorsement.
City of Seattle
The Seattle Office of Labor Standards announced that the minimum wage for workers in the city of Seattle in 2022 is $17.27/hour, marking a 58-cent increase from the previous year. For small employers with 500 or fewer employees that pay medical benefits or where tips exceed $1.52/hour, the new minimum wage is $15.75/hour.
If you’re a delivery lover, you may have noticed this next change already: restaurants in Seattle will no longer be able to provide single-use service ware by default. If you’re a collector of plastic forks, you’ll have to start specifically requesting them.
2022 also brings with it an updated workplace poster employers are required to display. You can find that here. You can access all available workplace posters here. This poster must be 11×17, displayed in a noticeable area at the workplace, and in English and any other languages your employees speak. If you don’t have access to a printer you can contact me directly via email, I’d be happy to bring one by!
What Now?
If any of this feels daunting or a tough to parse, GSBA is here to help! We provide complimentary labor law consults and a whole host of other complimentary services for business owners listed here. Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you have any questions or schedule an appointment with me.
