SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5212

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 Senate Committee On:

Commerce & Labor, February 4, 2015

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: Senators Warnick, Kohl-Welles and Braun.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/28/15, 2/04/15 [DP].

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: 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.

Summary of Bill: The number of additional, off-site tasting rooms allowed under a domestic winery license is increased from two to four.

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 creates a great opportunity to help our small wineries by allowing additional wine tasting opportunities. This is the first expansion of the tasting rooms in 13 years. Several areas of our state including Walla Walla and Woodinville have greatly benefited from the additional locations. I would expect this to help more development in Spokane, Seattle, and Vancouver. The grouping of tasting rooms also helps other business such as hotels and restaurants. We haven't found any public safety issues with the clustering of tasting rooms.

Persons Testifying: PRO: John Bell, Paul Beveridge, Family Wineries of WA State.