FINAL BILL REPORT
3SHB 1359
C 116 L 22
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Temporarily reducing liquor license fees.
Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Gaming (originally sponsored by Representatives Stonier, MacEwen, Robertson, Shewmake, Ormsby and Macri).
House Committee on Commerce & Gaming
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
Background:

Among the liquor licenses issued by the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) are the following licenses:

  • spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license, with an annual license fee of $2,000, $1,600, or $1,000 depending on the size of the licensee's dedicated dining area and type of service; 
  • hotel license, with an annual fee of $2,000;
  • spirits, beer, and wine nightclub license, with an annual fee of $2,000;
  • spirits, beer, and wine theater license, with an annual fee of $2,000;
  • spirits, beer, and wine caterer's license, with an annual fee of $1,000;
  • distiller license, with an annual fee of $2,000;
  • distiller off-site tasting room license, with an annual fee of $2,000 per tasting room;
  • domestic winery license, with an annual fee of $100 if producing less than 250,000 liters per year or $400 if producing 250,000 liters or more per year;
  • domestic brewery license, with an annual fee of $2,000;
  • microbrewery license, with an annual fee of $100;
  • beer and/or wine restaurant license, with an annual fee of $200 for the beer license, $200 for the wine license, or $400 for a combination beer and wine license;
  • tavern license, with an annual fee of $200 for the beer license, $200 for the wine license, or $400 for a combination beer and wine license;
  • snack bar license, with an annual fee of $125;
  • nonprofit arts organization license, with an annual fee of $250;
  • motel license, with an annual fee of $500;
  • sports entertainment facility license, with an annual fee of $2,500;
  • public house license, with an annual fee of $1,000;
  • beer and/or wine theater license, with an annual fee of $400; and
  • senior center license, with an annual fee of $720.
Summary:

Beginning on April 1, 2022, and through December 31, 2023, the amount of the annual fee for the following liquor licenses is reduced by half:

  • spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license;
  • hotel license;
  • spirits, beer, and wine nightclub license;
  • spirits, beer, and wine theater license;
  • spirits, beer, and wine caterer's license;
  • distiller license;
  • distiller off-site tasting room license;
  • domestic winery license;
  • domestic brewery license;
  • microbrewery license;
  • beer and/or wine restaurant license;
  • tavern license;
  • snack bar license;
  • nonprofit arts organization license;
  • motel license;
  • sports entertainment facility license;
  • public house license;
  • beer and/or wine theater license; and
  • senior center license.

 

The temporary license fee reduction expires on December 31, 2023.  Licenses set to expire or issued in January 2024 and after are subject to the full fee amount typically owed for the license.

Votes on Final Passage:
House 95 3
House 95 2
Senate 49 0 (Senate amended)
House 95 3 (House concurred)
Effective:

April 1, 2022