Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Gaming Committee

ESB 5665

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.

Brief Description: Concerning the use of credit cards for purchases of beer, spirits, and wine by the purchaser licensed to sell beer, spirits, and/or wine for consumption on the licensed premises.

Sponsors: Senators Wilson, Keiser, Conway and King.

Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill

  • Authorizes a licensed distributor of beer, spirits and/or wine to impose a credit card fee on a purchaser licensed to sell beer, spirits and/or wine for on-premises consumption.

Hearing Date:

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

Checks, credit or debit cards, prepaid accounts, electronic fund transfers, and other similar methods approved by the Liquor and Cannabis Board may be used as cash payment with respect to transactions among liquor retailers, manufacturers, importers, or distributors. Electronic fund transfers must be voluntary, conducted pursuant to a written agreement, initiated no later than the first business day following delivery, and completed as promptly as is reasonably practical, but no later than five business days following delivery.

Summary of Bill:

A licensed distributor of beer, spirits and/or wine is authorized to impose a credit card fee on a purchaser licensed to sell beer, spirits and/or wine for on-premises consumption provided:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.