FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5751

                           FULL VETO

                     As Passed Legislature

Brief Description:  Prohibiting the purchase or consumption of liquor on licensed premises by persons apparently under the influence of liquor.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Newhouse, Smith, Deccio, Owen and Winsley).

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

House Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  State law places numerous restrictions on the sale, purchase, and consumption of liquor.  One statute, which has been in effect since 1933, prohibits the sale of liquor to any person apparently under the influence of liquor.  Liquor Control Board enforcement officers find that this is one of the most frequently violated statutes in the Alcohol Beverage Control Act.

While it is a misdemeanor to sell alcohol to an apparently intoxicated person, it is not a crime for the intoxicated person to purchase or consume liquor on any premises licensed by the board.

Summary:  It is a civil infraction for a person apparently under the influence of liquor to purchase or consume liquor on any premises licensed by the Liquor Control Board.  The fine for violating the statute is established at not less than $100 and not more than $200.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    35 13

House     97 0 (House amended)

Senate    35 12 (Senate concurred)