SENATE BILL REPORT

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 Summary of First Substitute Bill

Allows the snack bar liquor licensee to sell wine by the glass.
Allows businesses who provide art instruction and art activities to obtain a snack bar license.
Clarifies that the designated seating area may include an area where an instructor leads group activities.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5165 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Keiser, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, King, Rossi, Saldaña and Wilson.

Background: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is authorized to issue snack bar licenses for the retail sales of beer, by the opened bottle or can, for on-premises consumption only. The license is only available when the sale of beer is not the main purpose of the business. The snack bar licensees are required to have snack food available, such as peanuts, popcorn, and chips. LCB's administrative rules require the snack bar to have a designated seating area for the on-premises consumption of beer.

Summary of First Substitute Bill: The snack bar liquor license is expanded to include the retail sales of wine by the glass for on-premises consumption. The snack bar license may be issued to a business whose main purpose is to provide instruction to their customers and where the customers participate in activities such as painting, pottery, or sculpting. The designated seating area requirement is added to the statute. The designated seating area may include areas where an instructor leads group activities.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: A paint and sip studio is where families can come in a social setting to learn how to paint. Think of Bob Ross painting and sipping wine. These are family-based events. Under the current law, I have limited choices to obtain a license to allow a customer to drink a glass of wine or bottle of beer. I could get a full tavern license or a beer & wine restaurant license, but those require me to have a kitchen and food service. I'm asking for a revision to the snack bar license that would allow us to run our business at an affordable cost.

OTHER: We would be willing to work with the committee staff to draft narrower language that would bring down the fiscal impact of this bill. As written, many establishments have inquired about this license, include tire repair shops and other existing licenses. We believe the language authorizing the sale of wine by the glass will assist us and the other existing licensees.