HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1290
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Commerce & Gaming
Title: An act relating to increasing the number of tasting rooms allowed under a domestic winery license.
Brief Description: Increasing the number of tasting rooms allowed under a domestic winery license.
Sponsors: Representatives Condotta, Hurst and Sawyer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Commerce & Gaming: 1/20/15, 2/16/15 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & GAMING |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hurst, Chair; Wylie, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Holy, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Blake, Kirby, Moscoso, Scott and Vick.
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
Wineries licensed in Washington (domestic wineries) may act as distributors and retailers of wine of their own production. Such wineries must comply with applicable laws and rules relating to distributors and retailers.
A domestic winery may have up to two locations separate from its manufacturing site (additional tasting rooms), where the winery may serve samples and sell wine of its own production at retail. The Liquor Control Board must approve each additional tasting room.
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Summary of Bill:
The number of additional, off-site tasting rooms allowed under a domestic winery license is increased from two to four.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill provides a modest benefit to state wineries by providing them with a means of expanding their market and making their products more readily available. Wine-tasting rooms are very popular and are prospering, which is of great benefit to the wine industry. Tasting rooms enable more customers to taste the product and expand the geographic area where a winery can make its product available.
(Neutral) The bill would significantly increase the regulatory activities of the Liquor Control Board and would, therefore, cause the agency to incur substantial costs.
(Opposed) This bill represents bad public policy insofar as it continues the expansion of alcohol availability and contributes to the normalization of alcohol use as a regular part of our daily lives. This contributes to youth being constantly exposed to alcohol, which, in turn, will lead to increased numbers of young people with abuse issues.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Condotta, prime sponsor; and Paul Beveridge and John Bell, Family Wineries of Washington State.
(Neutral) Justin Nordhorn, Washington Liquor Control Board, Enforcement and Education Division.
(Opposed) Seth Dawson, Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.