FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1059

                         C 100 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Improving the enforcement provisions of the Washington state liquor act.

Sponsors:  Representatives Lisk and Sheldon; by request of Liquor Control Board.

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade

Background:

Liquor From Out-of-State for Personal Use

Persons over 21 years of age may bring a reasonable amount of liquor into the state of Washington if they pay the equivalent of the markup and taxes that would have been paid for the same or similar liquor purchased at a state liquor store.

Employees Between the Ages of 18 and 21

Possession, consumption, or acquisition of alcohol is generally prohibited for those persons under the age of 21.  Certain exceptions have been authorized for employees between the ages of 18 and 21 who work for retail licensees.  If supervised by someone 21 years of age or older, these underage employees may  sell, stock, and handle beer and wine for specified licensed retailers, and may serve and sell liquor in licensed retail establishments excluding any areas that are designated "off limits" to persons under the age of 21.

Business Entertainment Practices

Under the "tied-house" law, liquor manufacturers,  importers, and wholesalers are prohibited from advancing moneys or moneys' worth to licensed retailers.  In 1990, a law was enacted that allowed manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers to provide food and beverage for consumption at a business meeting with licensed retailers.  In addition, manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers may provide licensed retailers with tickets to athletic events or other forms of entertainment if the manufacturer, importer, or wholesaler accompanies the licensed retailer to the event.  Both of these provisions expire June 30, 1995.

Summary:

Liquor From Out-of-State for Personal Use

A person 21 years of age or older may bring into the state of Washington from another state up to two liters of spirits or wine, or 288 ounces of beer once a month without paying the state markup or the applicable taxes.

Employees Between the Ages of 18 and 21

Employees  between the ages of 18 and 21 who work for nonretail licensees (wholesalers, manufacturers, breweries, wineries) may stock, merchandise, and handle beer or wine on the nonretail premises if supervised by someone 21 years of age or older.

Business Entertainment Practices

The expiration date is repealed, allowing the business practices currently authorized between wholesalers, importers, and manufacturers and licensed retailers to continue.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     93 3

Senate    41 0

Effective:  April 19, 1995