PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Current rules in chapters 314-20 and 314-24 WAC regarding certificate of approval liquor licenses.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 66.08.030 and chapter 160, Laws of 2004.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency is reviewing current rules in chapters 314-20 and 314-24 WAC regarding certificate of approval liquor licenses in order to implement SSB 6655 passed during the 2004 legislative session.
Currently only out-of-state manufacturers can ship beer and wine into Washington for resale. SSB 6655 allows an authorized representative to ship in beer and wine (an authorized representative is someone who has an agreement with one or more out-of-state breweries or wineries to sell their beer or wine in Washington). Currently companies or persons who ship foreign-produced beer or wine into Washington state are not required to license and register with the Liquor Control Board. SSB 6655 require such persons or companies to get a certificate of approval, just like suppliers of United States product.
SSB 6655 allows the LCB to set the certificate fee at a level that will allow the agency to cover the costs of administering this program.
Process for Developing New Rule: Input from retail licensees, local governments, and other interested parties will be obtained through series of notices and at least one public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Teresa Berntsen, Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43080, Olympia, WA 98504-3080, (360) 664-1648, fax (360) 704-4921, e-mail teb@liq.wa.gov.
April 6, 2004
Merritt D. Long
Chairman