HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                     HB 2786

Brief Description:  Creating an additional exemption for giving away liquor.

Sponsors: Honeyford, Lisk, Delvin and Cole.

                  Hearing:  January 29, 1998

BACKGROUND:

Liquor manufacturers and distributors may not give liquor to any person except as allowed by law.

Exceptions are provided for specific purposes such as allowing a manufacturer to negotiate a sale to the Liquor Control Board or a retail licensee.  Other exceptions require that the liquor be consumed in a designated place to a limited group of people such as an educational presentation to an organization formed for the purpose of studying wine and wine making.  Breweries and wineries may furnish beer or wine free of charge at the brewery or winery.  There are a limited number of occasions when liquor may be furnished or donated for a specific event to a specific audience such as  delegates to an International Trade fair conducted by a governmental entity.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

A winery or a wholesaler may furnish wine without charge to nonprofit charitable organizations for use consistent with the purpose of the organization.  Consistent with other exceptions for donating wine, the wine is subject to state liquor taxes.

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

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.