SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5001
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 Passed Senate, March 5, 2015
Title: An act relating to alcohol tasting by students under twenty-one years of age.
Brief Description: Clarifying provisions that allow for the tasting of alcohol by students under twenty-one years of age.
Sponsors: Senators Hewitt, Kohl-Welles, Conway, Schoesler, Keiser, Hatfield and Warnick.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/28/15, 2/04/15 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/05/15, 45-3.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Keiser, King and Warnick.
Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)
Background: A community or technical college with a culinary, wine, beer, or spirits technology related degree program may apply for a special permit from the Liquor Control Board (LCB). This special permit allows students enrolled in a culinary, beer, wine, or spirits technology program who are at least 18 years of age to taste but not consume alcoholic beverages. Service of the alcoholic beverage must be supervised by a faculty or staff member who is at least 21 years of age and who possesses a mandatory alcohol server permit. The special permit fee is waived by LCB.
Viticulture and enology degree programs generally offer students the opportunity to study and research wine-grape growing and winemaking. Viticulture is the science, production, and study of grapes and their culture. Enology is the science and study of all aspects of wine and winemaking except vine growing and grape harvesting. The term sommelier is generally used to describe a restaurant employee who has extensive knowledge regarding wines and who orders and maintains the wines sold in the restaurant.
Summary of Bill: The types of degree programs eligible for the special alcohol tasting permit are expanded beyond the culinary, beer, wine, and spirits technology programs to include sommelier, wine business, enology, and viticulture degree programs.
In addition to community and technical colleges, regional or state universities may apply for the special educational permit from LCB.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill expands the tasting provisions that have been provided for community and technical colleges to the four-year institutions. This bill further enhances the educational programs by adding eligibility for additional degrees and generally supports our growing wine industry.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Hayley Hohman, Associated Students of WA State University (WSU), Director of Legislative Affairs; Chris Mulick, WSU.