SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5093

BYSenators Lee, Warnke, McMullen and Smitherman

Establishing an alcohol server education program.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 17, 1989; January 26, 1989; January 31, 1989; February 21, 1989; February 24, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5093 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, West.

Senate Staff:Charles A. Woods (786-7452)

                  February 27, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, FEBRUARY 24, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Persons serving liquor at licensed retail facilities are not licensed or certified by the Liquor Control Board.  Liquor server education is provided by the Liquor Control Board on a voluntary basis only.

SUMMARY:

A liquor service worker's permit is required for any person serving alcohol at a licensed facility.  To obtain a permit, an applicant must participate in an alcohol server training program approved by the board.  Such programs may be provided by independent contractors, private persons certified by the board, certified employees of the board, or any combination thereof.  Penalties for violations are provided.  A procedure for suspending or revoking permits is provided.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

A new chapter is created.  An intent section is added to provide guidance to the board in adopting rules and regulations regarding implementation and enforcement of this chapter.  The delayed implementation dates are removed.  Procedures and grounds for denying, suspending or revoking permits are to be created by board rule, limited by the intent section.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: FOR:  Carter Mitchell, Liquor Control Board; Bob Seeber, Restaurant Association; Bruce Roberts, Licensed Beverage Association; Steve Wehrly, Miller Brewing; Dick Ducharme, Washington Beer and Wine Wholesalers; Geoff Gibbs, Washington State Food Dealers Association; Sgt. Richard Belshay, Seattle Police Department Vice Section; Captain Patrick A. Munter, Seattle Police Department Vice Section Commander; Gary Gilbert, Liquor Control Board; AGAINST:  Jan Gee, Washington Retail Association; Bob Broderick, Associated Grocers; Mark Tobin, Safeway; Joe Daniels, Commercial Food Workers Union