SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6539

              As Passed Senate, February 13, 1998

Title:  An act relating to technical changes regarding designations for liquor licenses.

Brief Description:  Making technical changes regarding designations for liquor licenses.

Sponsors:  Senators Schow and Heavey; by request of Liquor Control Board.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce & Labor:  2/3/98, 2/4/98 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/13/98, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Schow, Chair; Horn, Vice Chair; Anderson, Franklin, Fraser, Heavey and Newhouse.

Staff:  David Pringle (786-7448)

Background:  In 1997, legislation was adopted establishing a new system for defining the various types of liquor licenses issued by the state.  This legislation takes effect on July 1, 1998.  Two new liquor licenses called the "full service restaurant" license and "limited service restaurant" license were established as part of last year's legislation.  The "full service" license allows the sale of beer, wine and spiritous liquor.  The "limited service" license allows the sale of beer and wine.  Concerns have been raised regarding the less than specific nature of these licensing designations and the confusion that might arise from such designations.

Summary of Bill:  Modifications are made to the designations for liquor licenses issued to restaurants.  A "full service restaurant" license is changed to a "spirits, beer and wine restaurant" license.  The "limited service restaurant" license is changed to a "beer and wine restaurant" license.

Changes are made to the license designation for wholesalers and brewers.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  After the passage of the licensing schematic bill last session, it became apparent that the new liquor license designations for restaurant liquor licenses were confusing to licensees and the board.  This bill clears up these confusing designations.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  David Goyette, Liquor Control Board (pro).

House Amendment(s):  The amendment makes additional designation changes to RCW 66.24.580 consistent with those changes made in the underlying bill.