Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Gaming Committee

SSB 5165

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: Concerning snack bar licenses.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce, Labor & Sports (originally sponsored by Senator Ericksen).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Expands the snack bar liquor license to include the retail sale of wine by the glass for on-premises consumption.

  • Authorizes the Liquor and Cannabis Board to issue a snack bar liquor license to a business whose primary purpose is to provide instruction to its customers with respect to activities such as painting, pottery, or sculpting.

  • Requires that wine and beer be consumed only within a designated seating area.

Hearing Date:

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is authorized to issue a liquor license, known as a "snack bar license", allowing the retail sale of beer in bottles or cans for consumption within the licensed premises. The license may only be issued to business establishments where the sale of beer is not the principal business activity. The LCB's administrative rules require that a snack bar licensee provide designated seating for the consumption of beer and that snack food such as peanuts, popcorn, and chips be made available to customers.

Summary of Bill:

The snack bar liquor license is expanded to include the retail sale of wine by the glass for on-premises consumption. The license may be issued to a business whose primary purpose is to provide instruction to its customers with respect to activities such as painting, pottery, or sculpting. Wine and beer may be consumed only within a designated seating area, which may include an area where an instructor leads group activities.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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