SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1008

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Labor, Commerce & Trade, February 15, 1996

Title:  An act relating to wine and beer educator's licenses.

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

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

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  3/16/95, 3/20/95 [DP]; 2/15/96 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; A. Anderson, Franklin, Newhouse and Wojahn.

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786-7452)

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

Class E and Class F retailers whose business is primarily selling beer or wine to be consumed off premises may provide, free or for a charge, single serving samples of two ounces or less to customers as sales promotion.

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.  They 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 of Bill:   A person or corporation, not otherwise eligible to be licensed under the Liquor Control Board,  may obtain an educators license that permits the holder to sell wine or beer only 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 including all wine or beer diverted for personal use following an event.

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

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  Individuals can conduct wine education classes in Oregon and would like to do so in Washington.  Current law prohibits this.  This bill will change the law and would allow individuals to conduct such activities in Washington.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Renee Culow, wine educator (pro).