09/17/2026
Thought this was an interesting read from the VFW WASHINGTON Page.
DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VFW AND YOUR POST CANTEEN?
It is important that every member understand the difference between the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the canteen operated by a local VFW Post.
WHAT IS THE VFW POST
The VFW is a congressionally chartered veterans’ service organization. Our mission includes:
* Assisting veterans and their families
* Promoting patriotism and Americanism
* Supporting youth and community programs
* Advocating for veterans
* Preserving comradeship among eligible veterans
* Conducting the official business of the organization
A local Post is governed by the VFW National Charter, Bylaws and Manual of Procedure, Department of Washington Bylaws, approved Post Bylaws, lawful membership actions, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
WHAT IS THE POST CANTEEN
A canteen, clubroom, lounge, or bar is a local Post activity. It may provide a place for fellowship and may generate revenue to help support the Post, but it is NOT the primary mission of the VFW.
Washington law requires a private club’s sale of liquor to remain incidental to the club’s main purpose. A Post cannot be formed or operated primarily as a way to obtain and maintain a liquor license.
The canteen is not a separate level of the VFW. It remains under the authority and responsibility of the local Post or the lawful entity holding the license.
WHO RUNS THE CANTEEN?
The Post membership establishes the HOUSE and CLUBS operating rules for the canteen through its bylaws, approved policies, budget, motions, and any authorized House or Canteen Committee.
Depending upon the Post’s approved governing documents:
* A House and Clubs Committee may supervise daily operations.
* A canteen manager may manage employees and routine business.
* The Post Commander provides leadership and ensures compliance.
* The Quartermaster accounts for ALL Post funds and ALL financial records.
* The Trustees examine the ALL Post’s financial records as required.
* The Post membership retains ALL ultimate authority over local Post business.
A canteen manager or bartender does not outrank the Post Commander or the Post membership. Likewise, individual members should not attempt to supervise employees unless the Post has formally assigned them that responsibility.
WHO EMPLOYS THE CANTEEN STAFF?
Bartenders and canteen managers are ordinarily hired, supervised, evaluated, and, when necessary, disciplined or terminated by the local Post or other local entity operating the canteen.
They are NOT employees of the STATE of Washington VFW or VFW National Headquarters merely because they work inside a VFW Post.
The local POST/employer is responsible for:
* Hiring and supervision
* Payroll and tax reporting
* Wages, overtime, tips, and required leave
* Workplace safety
* Employee records
* Washington labor-law compliance
* Required alcohol-server permits and training
* Establishing written job descriptions and workplace policies
Neither the State VFW Headquarters nor National Headquarters serves as the human-resources department for independently operated Post canteens.
WASHINGTON LIQUOR-LAW RESPONSIBILITIES
Being a nonprofit or a 501(c)(19) veterans’ organization does not exempt a Post from Washington liquor laws.
The license holder and those serving alcohol must comply with Washington law and Liquor and Cannabis Board requirements, including:
* Serving alcohol only within the privileges of the license
* Following the rules governing members, guests, and visitors
* Not serving or selling alcohol to anyone under 21
* Not serving someone who is apparently under the influence
* Following permitted hours and areas of alcohol service
* Maintaining required records and server permits
* Cooperating with Liquor and Cannabis Board inspections
* Following restrictions on events advertised or opened to the public
A private-club license does not automatically allow a Post to open its canteen to the general public. Under Washington law, member-sponsored events involving nonmembers require the proper license endorsement, must be invitation-only, and cannot be open to the general public.
Public fundraisers involving alcohol may require a separate Special Occasion License. Never assume that nonprofit status alone authorizes alcohol sales.
WHAT DOES 501(c)(19) MEAN?
Section 501(c)(19) is the federal tax classification commonly used by qualifying veterans’ organizations. It permits veterans’ organizations to conduct social and recreational activities, including operating a canteen, when those activities remain connected or incidental to the organization’s lawful purposes.
It does not mean:
* The Post is exempt from liquor laws.
* All canteen income is automatically tax-free.
* The public may freely use a private club.
* Post officers may disregard financial controls.
* Canteen money belongs to the manager, committee, or regular customers.
All canteen income and property belong to the Post or lawful license-holding entity and must be properly recorded, safeguarded, reported, and used for authorized organizational purposes. Substantial business with the general public can also create liquor-license and federal tax concerns, including possible unrelated business income.
FOLLOW THE CHAIN OF COMMAND
Most canteen complaints are local Post matters and should begin locally:
1. Bring an immediate service concern to the canteen manager or designated supervisor.
2. Put unresolved concerns in writing and submit them to the Post Commander or authorized House/Canteen Committee.
3. If necessary, bring the matter before the Post membership through the proper meeting, motion, or grievance process.
4. If the matter involves a possible violation of VFW Bylaws that the Post cannot or will not address, contact the District Commander.
5. State leadership should become involved when there is a documented failure of Post governance, a serious bylaws violation, misuse of funds, danger to the charter, or another matter falling within Department authority.
The State HQ does not decide scheduling disputes, customer-service complaints, employee disagreements, drink prices, entertainment choices, or routine canteen disciplinary matters.
WHEN NOT TO WAIT ON THE CHAIN OF COMMAND
The chain of command does not prevent anyone from immediately reporting:
* Violence, threats, or emergencies to 911 or local law enforcement
* Suspected liquor-law violations to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
* Workplace safety hazards to the proper state agency
* Suspected theft, fraud, or financial misconduct to the appropriate Post and VFW authorities
* Harassment, discrimination, or employment-law violations through the applicable reporting process
Do not use the chain of command to conceal unlawful conduct or place anyone’s safety at risk.
REMEMBER THE DIFFERENCE
The Post exists to fulfill the mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The canteen exists to support the Post, provide fellowship, and help advance that mission. The Post does not exist simply to operate a bar.
Handle local matters locally. Document legitimate concerns. Follow the chain of command. Respect the authority of the Post membership, and never forget why the VFW exists.
Remember the Mission—Helping Veterans.
