Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Commerce & Gaming Committee
HB 1011
Brief Description: Concerning renewal dates for liquor licenses.
Sponsors: Representatives MacEwen, Eslick, Wicks and Corry.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Extends the renewal date of certain liquor licenses in 2021.
Hearing Date: 1/14/21
Staff: Peter Clodfelter (786-7127).
Background:

Liquor licenses for the manufacture, distribution, and retail sale of beer, wine, and spirits are issued by the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB).  For the original issuance of a liquor license, the LCB sets the expiration date of the license to the last day of the calendar month that is 12 months from the calendar month in which final approval of the license is granted.  Upon renewal, the expiration of the license may be prorated as necessary pursuant to the Business Licensing Service Act. 

 

The LCB coordinates with the Department of Revenue (DOR) to process liquor license applications through the DOR's Business Licensing Service (BLS).  The BLS is a one-stop system for businesses to acquire and maintain the necessary state licenses to conduct business.  The DOR assigns an expiration date for each business license.  All renewable licenses endorsed on the business license must expire on that date.  License fees must be prorated to accommodate the staggering of expiration dates. 
Summary of Bill:

For any liquor license that is subject to annual renewal and will expire on a date between the effective date of the bill and March 1, 2021, the expiration of the license is extended and renewal is instead required by June 1, 2021.  Upon renewal, the expiration date of the license may subsequently be prorated as necessary in accordance with the Business Licensing Service Act. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.