FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5338

                           C 39 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing restricted use of spirituous liquor at no charge.

Sponsors:  Senators Horn, Heavey and Schow.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  Under current law, a brewer, winery, or beer or wine wholesaler is permitted to furnish samples of beer or wine to an authorized licensee for the purposes of negotiating a sale.  Such entities are also allowed to provide free samples of beer or wine to licensees and their employees for the purposes of instructing them on the history, nature, values, and characteristics of beer or wine.  In addition, such entities are permitted to conduct educational activities for and provide free samples of liquor to customers of retail liquor licensees.

Current law prohibits distillers from conducting any of these activities and providing free samples of spiritous liquors in the course of such activities.

Summary:  Distillers are permitted to furnish samples of spiritous liquor to authorized licensees and/or their employees in the course of conducting the following activities:  for the purposes of negotiating a sale; or for the purposes of instructing licensees and their employees regarding the history, nature, values, and characteristics of spiritous liquor.  In addition, distillers are also permitted to conduct educational activities for and provide free samples of liquor to customers of retail liquor licensees.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 39 8

House     88 9

Effective:  July 27, 1997