FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1008

                          C 75 L 96

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing wine and beer educator's licenses.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Carlson, Ogden and Boldt).

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade

Background:  Certain liquor licensees may conduct samplings and educational activities under specific circumstances.

A Class E and Class F retailer liquor licensee whose business is primarily selling beer or wine to be consumed off premises may provide single serving samples to customers as sales promotion.  Each sample must be less than two ounces and may be provided free or for a charge.

A brewery, winery, or wholesale licensee may instruct other licensees and their employees on the subject of beer or wine and may provide beer or wine as required for use during instruction.  Such licensees may also conduct educational activities for consumers on the premises of a retail licensee, however, they may not receive compensation or financial benefit from the activity. 

There is no authority for anyone not licensed under the Liquor Control Board to conduct educational activities, for a charge, using liquor.

Summary:  A person or corporation, not otherwise eligible to be licensed under the Liquor Control Board, may obtain an educator's license that permits the holder to sell wine or beer by the glass for educational wine or beer testings at one-day events.  The licensee may purchase wine or beer from a licensed wholesaler and must maintain records of use, including all wine or beer diverted for personal use following an event.

The annual license fee is $200 and the fee for each event is an additional $10.  An extended event license for no more than five consecutive days is $50. 

Along with the application for an event license, a licensee must obtain a letter of approval from the local law enforcement administrator having jurisdiction in the area where the event is held.  Any restrictions on the use of the license must appear in the letter of approval.

Application for an annual license must be made 45 days before the applicant's first event.  For each specific event, application must be made 30 days before the event.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     94 0

Senate    48 0

Effective:  June 6, 1996