HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                     HB 2782

Brief Description:  Authorizing special event endorsements to full service private club licenses.

Sponsors:  McMorris and Wood

                  Hearing:  January 29, 1998

BACKGROUND:

A full service private club license allows the licensee to serve liquor by the drink on the club=s premises to club members, guests and visitors.  A club must be a nonprofit organization with a social, educational, benevolent, or an athletic purpose.

Under this license, a club may purchase liquor from the Liquor Control Board at a discount and then sell the liquor by the drink to club members, guests or visitors.  Club rules must comply with certain limitations on guest privileges.  Visitors must be accompanied by a club member at all times. The club=s premises may be used for events open to the general public, but no liquor may be served to the public at these events.

A full service private club license has an annual cost of $720.  A full service restaurant license ranges from $1000 to $2000 depending on the area of the facility dedicated to dining and the type of liquor service offered.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

A full service private club licensee may obtain an endorsement for up to 50 special event permits for non club events using club liquor.  The cost for the endorsement is the difference between a full service private club license and the cost of a full service restaurant license for the particular establishment.

The licensee must notify the Board of each non club event at least 72 hours prior to the event and must submit additional information about the event if requested by the Board.

RULES AUTHORITY:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule making powers of an agency.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  This bill takes effect July 1, 1998.