WSR 05-22-022

PERMANENT RULES

LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD


[ Filed October 24, 2005, 3:39 p.m. , effective November 24, 2005 ]


     

     Purpose: To place current policies into rule, eliminate some existing policies, and to clarify existing rules.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 314-02-050, 314-16-190 and 314-16-196; and amending WAC 314-02-010, 314-02-015, 314-02-020, 314-02-025, 314-02-030, 314-02-035, 314-02-045, 314-02-055, 314-02-095, and 314-16-195.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 66.04.010, 66.08.030, 66.24.410, 66.44.310, and 66.44.420.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 05-12-141 on June 1, 2005.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: The rule requires licensees who conduct live entertainment in their dedicated dining area and serve liquor after a certain hour to either restrict this area from access by persons under the age of 21, or allow minors and stop serving alcohol. The previous filing set the hour at 10:00 p.m. The final version sets this hour at 11:00 p.m. Additional changes were made to further clarify the rule language.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 2, Amended 10, Repealed 3.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 2, Amended 10, Repealed 3.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 2, Amended 10, Repealed 3.

     Date Adopted: October 18, 2005.

Merritt D. Long

Chairman

OTS-8033.3


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-07-091, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00)

WAC 314-02-010   Definitions.   The following definitions are to clarify the purpose and intent of the rules and laws governing liquor licenses and permits. Additional definitions can be found in RCW 66.04.010.

     (1) "Banquet room" means any room used primarily for the sale and service of food and liquor to private groups.

     (2) "Customer service area" means areas where food and/or liquor are normally sold and served to the public, i.e., lounges and dining areas. A banquet room is not considered a customer service area.

     (3) "Dedicated dining area." In order for an area to qualify as a dedicated dining area, it must be a distinct portion of a restaurant that is used primarily for the sale, service, and consumption of food, and have accommodations for eating, e.g., tables, chairs, booths, etc. See WAC 314-02-025 for more information.

     (4) "Food counter" means a table or counter set up for the primary purpose of food service to customers who sit or stand at the counter. Any alcohol served is incidental to food service.

     (5) "Game room" means an area of a business set up for the primary purpose of patrons using games or gaming devices.

     (6) "Liquor" means beer, wine, or spirits (per RCW 66.04.010(19) - Definitions).

     (((5))) (7) "Liquor bar" means a table or counter where alcohol is stored or prepared and served to customers who sit or stand at the bar. Liquor bars can only be in lounges or in premises where minors are not allowed at any time.

     (8) "Lounge" means the portion of a restaurant used primarily for the preparation, sale, and service of beer, wine, or spirits. ((Persons under twenty-one years of age)) Minors are not allowed in a lounge (see RCW 66.44.316 for information on employees and professional musicians under twenty-one years of age).

     (9) "Minor" means a person under twenty-one years of age.

     (10) "Service bar" means a fixed or portable table, counter, cart, or similar work station primarily used to prepare, mix, serve, and sell alcohol that is picked up by employees or customers. Customers may not be seated or allowed to consume food or alcohol at a service bar.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. 00-07-091, § 314-02-010, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 314-02-014   What is a food counter, a liquor bar, and a service bar and are minors allowed in these areas?  


Allowed in areas where minors are permitted? Area where alcoholic beverages are prepared.
A food counter is a table or counter set up for the primary purpose of food service to customers who sit or stand at the counter. Any alcohol served is incidental to food service. Alcoholic beverages are not prepared at a food counter. yes no
A liquor bar is a table or counter where alcohol is stored or prepared and served to customers who sit or stand at the bar. This includes alcohol dispensers that are placed on or attached to the table or counter. Liquor bars can only be in lounges or in premises where minors are not allowed at any time. no yes
A service bar is a fixed or portable table, counter, cart, or similar work station primarily used to prepare, mix, serve, and sell alcohol that is picked up by employees or customers. Customers may not be seated or allowed to consume food or alcohol at a service bar. yes yes

[]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-07-091, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00)

WAC 314-02-015   What is a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license?   (1) Per RCW 66.24.400, this license allows a restaurant to:

     (a) Serve spirits by the individual serving for on-premises consumption;

     (b) Serve beer by the bottle or can or by tap for on-premises consumption; and

     (c) Serve wine for on-premises consumption (see RCW 66.24.400 regarding patrons removing recorked wine from the premises).

     (2) Per RCW 66.24.400, this license prohibits licensees from selling alcohol for off-premises consumption except for a licensee having an endorsement that allows the licensee to sell, for off-premises consumption, wine vinted and bottled in the state of Washington that has a label exclusive to the licensee's restaurant.

     (3) To obtain and maintain a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license, the restaurant must be open to the public at least five hours a day during the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., five days a week. The board may consider written requests for exceptions to this requirement due to demonstrated hardship, and may grant an exception under such terms and conditions as the board determines are in the best interests of the public.

     (4) All applicants for a spirits, beer, and wine license must establish, to the satisfaction of the board, that the premises will operate as a bona fide restaurant. The term "bona fide restaurant" is defined in RCW 66.24.410(2).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. 00-07-091, § 314-02-015, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-07-091, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00)

WAC 314-02-020   What are the fee categories for a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license?   (1) Per RCW 66.24.420, the annual fee for a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license is graduated, as follows:


Amount of customer service area dedicated to dining Annual fee
100% $1,000
50 - 99% $1,600
Less than 50% $2,000

     (2) In order for an area to qualify as a dedicated dining area it must be a separate and distinct portion of a restaurant that is used primarily for the sale, service, and consumption of food, and have accommodations for eating, e.g., tables, chairs, booths, etc. Areas dedicated to live music or entertainment, such as dance floors or stages are not considered dedicated dining areas. Dedicated dining areas may not contain:

     (a) Liquor bars (see definition under WAC 314-02-010(2)); or

     (b) Areas dedicated to games or gaming devices.

     (3) The fee for a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license outside of an incorporated city or town will be prorated according to the calendar quarters the licensee is open for business. This proration does not apply in the case of a suspension or revocation of the license.

     (4) A duplicate license is required in order to sell liquor from more than one site on your property. These sites must be located on the same property and owned by the same licensee. The following types of businesses may apply for a duplicate license:


Type of Business Annual fee per duplicate license
Airport terminal 25% of annual license fee
Civic center (such as a convention center) $10
Privately owned facility open to the public $20

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. 00-07-091, § 314-02-020, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-07-091, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00)

WAC 314-02-025   What are the floor space requirements to obtain and maintain a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license or a beer and wine restaurant license?   (1) The liquor control board has the responsibility to classify what licensed premises or what portions of the licensed premises are off-limits to minors. (RCW 66.44.310(2)) Minors may not purchase, possess, or consume liquor, and may not enter any areas that are classified as off-limits to minors. (RCW 66.44.290 and 66.44.310) The purpose of this rule is to clarify the ways in which licensees can prevent minors from consuming alcohol or entering restricted areas.

     (2) Dedicated dining areas - If a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensee or a beer and wine restaurant licensee that allows minors chooses to have live music, Karaoke, patron dancing, live entertainment, or contests involving physical participation by patrons in the dedicated dining area after 11:00 p.m., the licensee must either:

     (a) Request board approval to reclassify the dining area to a lounge for the period of time that live entertainment is conducted, thus restricting minors during that time; or

     (b) Notify the board's licensing and regulation division in writing at least forty-eight hours in advance that the sale, service, and consumption of liquor will end in the dedicated dining area after 11:00 p.m.

     Request or notifications may cover one event or a series of recurring events over a period of time.

     (3) Barriers - Licensees must place ((identifiable)) barriers around game rooms and areas that are ((restricted from persons under twenty-one years of age)) classified as off-limits to minors.

     (a) The barriers must clearly separate restricted areas, and must be at least forty-two inches high.

     (b) The barriers must be permanently affixed (folding or retractable doors or other barriers that are permanently affixed are acceptable). Those licensees that have been approved by the board for moveable barriers prior to the effective date of this rule may keep their movable barriers until the licensee requests alterations to the premises or the premises change ownership.

     (c) Liquor bars cannot be used as the required barriers (see definition of liquor bar in WAC 314-02-010(7)).

     (d) Entrances to restricted areas may not be wider than ten feet. If a licensee has more than one entrance along one wall, the total entrance areas may not exceed ten feet.

     (e) "Minor prohibited" signs, as required by WAC ((314-16-025)) 314-11-060(1), must be posted at each entrance to ((such)) restricted areas.

     (((2))) (4) If the business allows minors, the business's primary entrance must open directly into a dedicated dining area or into a neutral area, such as a lobby or foyer, that leads directly to a dedicated dining area. Minors must be able to access restrooms without passing through a lounge or other age-restricted area.

     (5) Floor plans - When applying for a license, the applicant must provide to the board's licensing and regulation division two copies of a detailed drawing of the entire premises. The drawing must:

     (a) Be drawn one foot to one-quarter-inch scale;

     (b) Have all rooms labeled according to their use; e.g., dining room, lounge, game room, kitchen, etc.; and

     (c) Have all barriers labeled in a descriptive way; e.g., "full wall," "half wall," etc.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. 00-07-091, § 314-02-025, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-07-091, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00)

WAC 314-02-030   Can a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant exclude persons under twenty-one years of age from the premises?   A spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensee may exclude ((persons under twenty-one years of age)) minors from the entire premises at all times or at certain times as approved by the board.

     (1) To exclude ((persons under twenty-one years of age)) minors from the entire licensed premises at all times or at certain times, the applicant or licensee must:

     (a) Indicate during the liquor license application process that he/she does not wish to have ((persons under twenty-one years of age)) minors on the entire premises at ((any time)) all times or at certain times indicated by the applicant or licensee; or

     (b) If already licensed as a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant that allows ((person under twenty-one years of age)) minors, the applicant may request permission from the board's licensing and regulation division to exclude ((persons under twenty-one years of age, per)) minors at all times or at certain times indicated by the applicant or licensee. See WAC 314-02-130 for instructions on requesting this approval.

     (c) Spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees who exclude ((persons twenty-one years of age)) minors from the entire premises at all times or at certain times must((:

     (i) Place the required barriers around dedicated dining areas (see WAC 314-02-025(1)); and

     (ii))) meet all other requirements of this license, including the food service requirements outlined in WAC 314-02-035.

     (d) During the times that a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensee excludes minors from the entire premises, the licensee may not employ minors. (See WAC 314-11-040 for more information on employing minors.)

     (2) Restaurants that have less than fifteen percent of their total customer service area dedicated to dining must exclude ((persons under twenty-one years of age)) minors from the entire premises. The licensee must:

     (a) Pay the two thousand dollars annual license fee; and

     (b) Meet all other requirements of this license, including the food service requirements outlined in WAC 314-02-035.

     (3) ((To exclude persons under twenty-one years of age from the entire licensed premises during a portion of the day or week or on a one-time-only basis, the applicant or licensee must:

     (a) Request permission from the board, see WAC 314-02-130(1); and

     (b) Meet all other requirements of the license, including the food service requirements outlined in WAC 314-02-035.

     (4))) See WAC ((314-16-025)) 314-11-060(1) regarding requirements for "minors prohibited" signage.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. 00-07-091, § 314-02-030, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 314-02-033   Do spirits, beer, and wine restaurants that exclude minors from the premises have to put barriers around their dedicated dining area(s)?   Spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees who exclude minors from the entire premises at all times are only required to place the barriers described in WAC 314-02-025(2) around dedicated dining areas for the purpose of paying the one thousand six hundred dollar annual fee. Restaurants that do not allow minors at any time and do not wish to have barriers around their dining area(s) must pay the two thousand dollar annual license fee. (See WAC 314-02-020 for an explanation of fees.)

[]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-07-091, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00)

WAC 314-02-035   What are the food service requirements for a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license?   (1) A spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensee must serve at least four complete meals. Per RCW 66.24.410(2), a complete meal does not include hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, or fry orders. For purposes of this title:

     (a) "Complete meal" means an entree and at least one additional course.

     (b) "Entree" means the main course of a meal. To qualify as one of the four required complete meals, the entree must require the use of a dining implement to eat, and cannot consist of a hamburger, sandwich, salad, or fry order.

     (2) The restaurant must maintain the kitchen equipment necessary to prepare the complete meals required ((by)) under this section and RCW 66.24.410(2) ((and WAC 314-16-190)).

     (((2))) (3) The complete meals must be prepared on the restaurant premises.

     (((3))) (4) A chef or cook must be on duty while complete meals are offered.

     (((4))) (5) A menu must be available to customers that lists, at a minimum, the required complete meals.

     (((5))) (6) The food items required to maintain the menu must be on the restaurant premises. These items must be edible.

     (((6))) (7) Restaurants that have one hundred percent dedicated dining area must maintain complete meal service any time liquor is available for sale, service, or consumption.

     (((7))) (8) Restaurants with less than one hundred percent dedicated dining area (restaurants in the one thousand six hundred dollar or two thousand dollar fee category) must maintain complete meal service for a minimum of five hours a day during the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on any day liquor is served. The board may consider written requests for exceptions to this requirement due to demonstrated hardship, under such terms and conditions as the board determines are in the best interests of the public.

     (a) Minimum food service, such as sandwiches, hamburgers, or fry orders, must be available outside of these hours.

     (b) Snacks such as peanuts, popcorn, and chips do not qualify as minimum food service.

     (((8))) (9) The hours of complete meal service must be conspicuously posted on the premises or listed on the menu. If applicable, a statement that minimum food service is available outside of those hours must also be posted or listed on the menu.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. 00-07-091, § 314-02-035, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-07-091, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00)

WAC 314-02-045   What is a beer and/or wine restaurant license?   (1) Per RCW 66.24.320 and 66.24.354, this license allows a restaurant to:

Privilege Annual fee
(a) Serve beer by the bottle or can or by tap for on-premises consumption. $200
(b) Serve wine for on-premises consumption (see RCW 66.24.320 regarding patrons removing recorked wine from the premises). $200
(c) Sell beer and/or wine in the original, unopened containers for off-premises consumption. $120
(d) Sell tap beer for off-premises consumption in a sanitary container holding less than four gallons of beer, and brought to the premises by the purchaser. In conjunction with off-premises privilege outlined in subsection (c).
(e) Sell beer in kegs or other containers holding at least four gallons of beer (see WAC 314-02-115 regarding the requirements for registering kegs). In conjunction with off-premises privilege outlined in subsection (c).

     (2) All applicants for a beer and/or wine restaurant license must establish, to the satisfaction of the board, that the premises will operate as a bona fide restaurant, as defined in RCW 66.04.010(((29)))(30).

     (3) If a beer and/or wine restaurant's dedicated dining area comprises less than fifteen percent of the total customer service area, the premises must maintain a tavern license (see WAC 314-02-070 regarding the tavern license).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. 00-07-091, § 314-02-045, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-07-091, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00)

WAC 314-02-055   Can a beer and/or wine restaurant exclude ((persons under twenty-one years of age)) minors from the dining area?   (1) To exclude ((persons under twenty-one years of age)) minors from the dining area during a portion of the day or week or on a one-time-only basis, the applicant or licensee must request permission from the board (see WAC 314-02-130(1)).

     (2) See WAC ((314-16-025)) 314-11-060(1) regarding requirements for "minors prohibited" signage.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. 00-07-091, § 314-02-055, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-07-091, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00)

WAC 314-02-095   What is a public house license?   (1) Per RCW 66.24.580, a public house licensee is allowed to:

     (a) Manufacture between two hundred fifty gallons and two thousand four hundred barrels of beer on the premises per year;

     (b) Serve beer by the bottle or can or by tap for on-premises consumption; and

     (c) Serve wine for on-premises consumption (see RCW 66.24.320 regarding patrons removing recorked wine from the premises).

     (2) The annual fee for this license is one thousand dollars.

     (3) If a public house licensee wishes to allow persons under twenty-one years of age on the premises, the licensee must meet the requirements of a beer and/or wine restaurant license, per WAC 314-02-045 and ((314-02-050)) 314-02-025.

     (4) Public house licensees may apply for a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license, in order to sell spirits by the individual serving for on-premises consumption (see WAC 314-02-015).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 66.24.010, 66.24.120. 00-07-091, § 314-02-095, filed 3/15/00, effective 4/15/00.]


REPEALER

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 314-02-050 What are the floor space requirements to obtain and maintain a beer and/or wine restaurant license?

OTS-8034.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-18-097, filed 9/2/98, effective 10/3/98)

WAC 314-16-195   Spirits, beer and wine restaurant restricted -- Qualifications.   (1) Spirits, beer and wine restaurant restricted licensees shall govern their operations in selling liquor in accordance with the regulations set forth in Titles I and II. Such licensees may sell liquor in accordance with these regulations, only to members, invited guests, and holders of cards as authorized by subsection (3) of this section. Spirits, beer and wine restaurant restricted licensees shall not be prohibited from renting, leasing, or donating all or a portion of their facilities for, or making services available to, an activity where the public is invited or admitted under the conditions specified in subsection (4) of this section.

     (2)(a) Applications for new spirits, beer and wine restaurant restricted licenses shall be on forms prescribed by the board and shall be accompanied by proof that:

     (i) The business has been in operation for at least one year immediately prior to the date of its application. Such proof should include records of membership as well as an indication as to numbers and types of membership.

     (ii) Membership or admission will not be denied to any person because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap.

     (b) Applications for renewal shall be made on forms prescribed by the board and shall be accompanied by such information as the board may request.

     (c) Spirits, beer and wine restaurant restricted applicants and licensees must meet the provisions of WAC ((314-16-190 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (7))) 314-02-035.

     (3)(a) Guest privilege cards may be issued only as follows:

     (i) For spirits, beer and wine restaurant restricted licensees within the limits of any city or town, only to those persons residing outside of an area ten miles from the limits of such city or town.

     (ii) For spirits, beer and wine restaurant restricted licensees outside of any city or town only to those persons residing outside an area fifteen miles from the location of such licensee: Provided, That where such area limitation encroaches upon the limits of any city or town, the entire corporate limits of such city or town shall be included in the prohibited area.

     (iii) Such guest privilege cards shall be issued for a reasonable period and must be numbered serially, with a record of the issuance of each such card to be filed on the licensed premises in such a manner as to be readily accessible for inspection.

     (iv) The mileage restrictions in (i) and (ii) of this subsection may be waived for special events upon written approval of the board.

     (b) Guests may be introduced when accompanied at all times by a member and may remain as long as such member is present: Provided, That any such guest may only enjoy the privileges of the organization a reasonable number of times in any one calendar year.

     (c) Persons who are members in good standing of a licensed spirits, beer and wine restaurant restricted organization may enjoy the privileges of any other licensed spirits, beer and wine restaurant restricted organization: Provided, That the operating rules of such organization authorize reciprocal privileges: Provided further, That (a) and (b) of this subsection shall not apply to members of such organizations while exercising reciprocal privileges.

     (4) If the licensee at any time rents any portion of the premises for any purpose other than to their membership or at any time holds any function within the premises to which the public is generally invited or admitted, then such portion devoted to liquor service must be closed to the public generally and no one admitted therein except for bona fide members and guests. If the premises does not have an area which can be so closed, then no liquor service whatever may be permitted during the entire time when such activity is taking place or when the public is generally admitted in the premises.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030, 15.88.030, 19.126.020, 66.04.010, 66.08.180, 66.16.100, 66.20.010, 66.20.300, 66.20.310, 66.24.150, 66.24.170, 66.24.185, 66.24.200, 66.24.206, 66.24.210, 66.24.230, 66.24.240, 66.24.244, 66.24.250, 66.24.375, 66.24.380, 66.24.395, 66.24.400, 66.24.420, 66.24.425, 66.24.440, 66.24.450, 66.24.455, 66.24.495, 66.24.540, 66.28.010, 66.28.040, 66.28.050, 66.28.170, 66.28.180, 66.28.190, 66.28.200, 66.28.310, 66.44.190, 66.44.310, 66.98.060 and 82.08.150. 98-18-097, § 314-16-195, filed 9/2/98, effective 10/3/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030 and 66.98.070. 82-13-069 (Order 107, Resolution No. 116), § 314-16-195, filed 6/16/82.]


REPEALER

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
WAC 314-16-190 Spirits, beer and wine restaurant -- Qualifications.
WAC 314-16-196 Spirits, beer and wine restaurant -- Floor space requirements -- Conditions for service bar only premises.