FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 6339

                          C 311 L 96

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Concerning the requirements for receipt of an alcohol server permit.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, Snyder, McCaslin, Pelz and Hale.

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  In 1995, the Legislature passed a measure that established the alcohol server permit program.  This program requires managers, bartenders and waitpersons involved in the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption to obtain a Class 12 or Class 13 alcohol server permit.

To obtain a permit, an individual must complete training on state laws regarding the service of alcohol, how to check for proper identification, how to deny service to customers, and liability issues, among others.  Individuals are required to obtain a permit by July 1, 1996.  Liquor licensees have raised concerns regarding the lack of availability of training for their employees in time to meet the July 1, 1996 implementation date.

Provisions were included in the 1995 legislation that allow individuals who have completed a nationally recognized alcohol management or intervention program since July 1, 1993 to be issued a permit upon providing proof of completion of such training to the Liquor Control Board.  The Liquor Control Board's alcohol server training program was not explicitly included under this grandfather provision.  An expiration date for the grandfather provision was not included in the 1995 legislation.

Summary:  The implementation date of the alcohol server permit program is changed from July 1, 1996 to January 1, 1997.

Individuals who complete the Liquor Control Board's alcohol server training program after July 1, 1993, but before July 1, 1995, may be issued a class 13 alcohol server permit upon providing proof of completing the training to the Liquor Control Board.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    47 0

House     94 0 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

House     94 1 (House amended)

Senate    48 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  June 6, 1996