SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5176

              As Passed Senate, February 17, 1995

Title:  An act relating to improvements to the enforcement provisions of the Washington state liquor act.

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

Sponsors:  Senators Pelz and Deccio; by request of Liquor Control Board.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  1/19/95, 1/24/95 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/17/95, 45-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Deccio, Franklin, Fraser, Hale, Newhouse, Palmer and Wojahn.

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786-7452)

Background:  Under current law, an individual of lawful drinking age is allowed to bring a reasonable amount of liquor into the state of Washington from another state if he or she pays the appropriate state liquor tax and markup.

An employee of a liquor manufacturer or wholesaler who is between the ages of 18 and 21 is prohibited from stocking, merchandising or handling beer or wine on the nonretail premises of the licensee.

In 1990, the Legislature passed a law authorizing liquor manufacturers, importers or wholesalers to provide event tickets or food and beverages to liquor retail licensees and their employees under certain conditions.  This authorization expires June 30, 1995.

Summary of Bill:  Once a month, an individual of lawful drinking age may bring up to two liters of spirits or wine or a case of beer into this state from another state without paying the liquor tax and markup.  The liquor must be for personal or household use only.  An individual may bring an additional amount of liquor into the state, if the appropriate state tax and markup is paid on the liquor.   

An employee of a liquor manufacturer or wholesaler who is between the ages of 18 and 21 years may stock, merchandise or handle beer or wine on the nonretail premises of the licensee, if under the supervision of an individual who is 21 years of age or older.

The June 30, 1995 expiration date for statutes authorizing certain entertainment practices of liquor manufacturers, importers and wholesalers is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  This bill will improve the operations of family owned businesses who will be able to use 18 to 20 year olds to stock and handle beer and wine when under the supervision of an individual who is 21 years of age or older.  This is the same privilege that is currently granted to grocery stores and other retail liquor licensees.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Carter Mitchell, Liquor Control Board (pro); Dick Ducharme, Beer Wholesalers (pro).