The consistently popular neighborhood cafe bill is back after stalling on the House floor in 2025. The proposal from Rep. Mark Klicker (R–Walla Walla), HB 1175, got a fast vote in the House of Representatives this year, advancing to the Senate on the fourth day of session with a vote of 94-2.

Here’s the entirety of what the bill requires:

1. A city or town must allow neighborhood stores and neighborhood cafés to be permitted in any zone allowing residential uses (cafés must offer food if alcoholic drinks are offered).
2. Cities and towns may regulate parking provided that the regulations are not infeasible.
3. Hours of operation may be limited by the city or town; however, neighborhood cafés are permitted to operate for at least 12 consecutive hours.
4. Signage and displays for alcohol or cannabis may not be visible from the sidewalk.
5. The sale of nicotine products in residential zones is prohibited.
6. Cities may establish additional regulations as necessary, including maximum square footage requirements.

Cities required to complete their Growth Management Act comprehensive plan in 2027 will need to incorporate these changes. All other cities have two years from the effective date of the bill, should it pass.