Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Labor Committee

ESSB 5110

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Allowing wedding boutiques and art galleries to serve wine or beer to their customers who are twenty-one years of age or older.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford, Schoesler, McCaslin, Hewitt, Kohl-Welles, McDermott and Holmquist).

Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill

  • Allows wedding boutiques and art galleries to offer one complimentary glass of beer or wine to customers who are 21 years of age or older.

Hearing Date: 3/20/09

Staff: Kate Moeur White (786-5793) and Joan Elgee (786-7106)

Background:

The Liquor Control Board issues several different types of licenses and permits that allow an entity to serve and/or sell alcoholic beverages. There are specific exemptions that allow certain entities to offer and/or serve alcoholic beverages for no charge without a license and/or permit, including, for example, hospitals and nursing homes.

Summary of Bill:

Wedding boutiques and art galleries may offer one glass of wine or beer without charge to customers who are 21 years of age or older for on-premise consumption. The wine or beer served at wedding boutiques or art galleries must be purchased from a Washington licensed retailer, liquor store, or agency at full retail price.

Wedding boutiques and art galleries may not sell beer or wine or advertise the complimentary service of beer or wine. A wedding boutique or art gallery employee involved in serving beer or wine must complete a Liquor Control Board-approved limited alcohol server training program.

Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.