HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1409
BYRepresentatives Patrick, Cole, Wang and Barnes
Amending provisions for liquor sale licensure.
House Committe on Commerce & Labor
Majority Report: Do pass. (8)
Signed by Representatives Wang, Chair; Cole, Vice Chair; Fisher, Jones, R. King, O'Brien, Patrick and Walker.
House Staff:Joan Elgee (786-7166)
AS OF HOUSE SECOND READING FEBRUARY 9, 1988
BACKGROUND:
The Liquor Control Board's issuance of Class H (restaurant) licenses is limited by the legislature's mandate that the Board shall refuse a class H license if in the opinion of the Board the class H licenses already granted for the particular locality are adequate for the reasonable needs of the community. No similar statutory restriction exists for issuance of other retail licenses, such as those for taverns and convenience stores.
Controversy has arisen in certain neighborhoods over the growth of establishments selling alcoholic beverages.
SUMMARY:
The Liquor Control Board shall deny a liquor license if the Board in its discretion determines that the immediate area surrounding the proposed licensed premises is already adequately served by existing licenses or the proposed licensed business is not compatible with the residential environment of the immediate surrounding area.
If an application for a liquor license is denied, that applicant may not reapply for a license at the denied location for one year.
Fiscal Note: Requested January 25, 1988.
House Committee ‑ Testified For: Carter Mitchell, Liquor Control Board; Luke Pattee; Randy Duggan; Jamison Nelson; and Leslie Groce.
House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.
House Committee - Testimony For: Giving the Liquor Control Board explicit statutory authority to deny a license because the area is already adequately served will give citizens an opportunity for more input. The one year limitation will relieve the Board and the community from dealing with reapplications every 90 days.
House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.