Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

SB 5604

Brief Description:  Allowing the liquor control board to authorize controlled purchase programs.

Sponsors:  By Senators Spanel and Gardner.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The Liquor Control Board is authorized to permit licensees to conduct private self-compliance checks using assistance from persons between the ages of 18 and 21 years old.

Hearing Date:  3/28/01

Staff:  Sydney Forrester (786‑7120).

Background: 

The Liquor Control Board conducts controlled purchases of alcohol from licensed retailers as part of its regulatory compliance program.  Controlled purchases are designed, in part, to test whether retail clerks are selling alcohol to persons under the age of 21 years old.  As an enforcement agency, the board may use the assistance of persons between the age of 18 and 21 years old in its controlled purchase program.    

Many liquor licensees voluntarily have developed a company policy of requiring their retail clerks to request identification if a purchaser of alcohol appears to be under 30 years old.  Some retailers also conduct self-compliance checks using controlled purchases.  However, retailers may not use the assistance of persons under 21 years of age in private controlled purchase programs.

Retailers have sole discretion as to whether and when employees are notified of self-compliance checks and whether and how employees are disciplined for violations of company policies.

Summary of Bill: 

The Liquor Control Board will adopt rules authorizing private controlled purchases by liquor licensees using the assistance of persons between the ages of 18 and 21 years old.  Under a controlled purchase program authorized by the board, liquor licensees, persons selling alcohol to persons between 18 and 21 years old, and persons between 18 and 21 attempting to purchase alcohol will be immune from criminal or administrative prosecution.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.