SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6265

        AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, FEBRUARY 6, 1992

Brief Description:  Altering keg registration container size requirements.

SPONSORS: Senators Newhouse and Snyder

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

      Signed by Senators Matson, Chairman; Bluechel, McDonald, McMullen, Moore, Murray, and Skratek.

Staff:  Forrest Bathurst (786‑7429)

Hearing Dates: February 5, 1992; February 6, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Current law prohibits small groceries or other off premise class E licensees from selling malt liquor (any variety of beer) in kegs holding four or more gallons.  A class E licensee must obtain a class A or class B license if they wish to sell malt liquor in kegs larger than four gallons.

SUMMARY:

Small groceries or other off premise class E licensees may sell malt liquor in kegs of up to five and one-half gallons without being required to obtain a class A or class B license if all such sales comply with laws concerning the registration of kegs.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

The Liquor Control Board may charge class E licensees for keg registration booklets.  Fees are deposited into the liquor revolving fund and may be spent by the board without appropriation.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 29, 1992

TESTIMONY FOR:

The public would benefit by the ease of purchasing made possible by this act.  Small convenience stores, or others with class E licenses, could stock these items and sell them consistent with keg registration requirements.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Carter Mitchell, Liquor Control Board; Stu Halsan, Coors Brewing Company (pro)