FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2341

                         C 291 L 96

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Relating to the use of credit cards in state liquor stores.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cooke, Appelwick and L. Thomas.

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:  The only retail outlet for the purchase of spirituous (hard) liquor in its original sealed container to be consumed off the premises is a state liquor store.  Under current law, an individual purchasing beer, wine, or spirituous liquor from a state liquor store must pay cash for the alcohol. 

Beer and wine may be purchased from a retail liquor licensee using a credit card.  Beer, wine, and spirituous liquor may be purchased by credit card when consumed by the drink on the premises of a retail establishment.

Summary:  The Liquor Control Board is authorized to establish a pilot project that allows individuals to use credit and debit cards to purchase beer, wine, or spirituous (hard) liquor from state liquor stores.  The project may include up to 20 stores.  The board must complete an 18-month study of the pilot project and report the results to the Legislature by January 1, 1998.  The board's project expenses are considered administrative expenses and are appropriated from the Liquor Revolving Fund.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     55 42

Senate    36 12 (Senate amended)

House     59 38 (House concurred)

House     54 43 (House reconsidered)

Effective:  June 6, 1996