HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 6367

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Commerce & Labor

Title:  An act relating to activities of microbreweries.

Brief Description:  Regulating microbreweries.

Sponsors:  Senators Moore and Newhouse.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Commerce & Labor, February 23, 1994, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Heavey, Chair; G. Cole, Vice Chair; Lisk, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Conway; Horn; King; Springer and Veloria.

Staff:  Jim Kelley (786-7166).

Background:  Wine manufacturers are allowed to advertise, pour, or dispense their wine at wine tasting or judging events.  Beer manufacturers are not allowed to advertise, pour or dispense beer at beer tasting or judging events.

Special occasion licensees are allowed to purchase beer or wine from a wholesaler to be served at their events.  They are not allowed to purchase beer or wine from a licensed retailer.

Summary of Bill:  Beer manufacturers are allowed to advertise, pour or dispense their beer at beer tasting or judging events.

Special occasion licensees may purchase beer or wine from a licensed beer or wine retailer or a licensed beer or wine wholesaler.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill would allow beer manufacturers and their employees to pour and serve beer at charitable events, rather than having to rely on volunteers.  The bill is simple and fair.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  T.K. Bentler, Redhook Brewery; and Carter Mitchell, Liquor Control Board.