FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6601

C 109 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing a licensed distiller, domestic brewery, microbrewery, or domestic winery to sell liquor at a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant located on contiguous property that is leased by that licensed distiller, domestic brewery, microbrewery, or domestic winery.

Sponsors:  Senators Prentice, Rasmussen, Kohl‑Welles, McAuliffe and Hale.

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  Current law allows distillers, brewers and microbrewers, and wineries to sell  liquor in restaurants that are contiguous to and owned by the distiller, brewer, or winery.  This is called a Tied House law.  One theory behind this type of law, common in many states,  is that making food available for consumers who choose to drink provides a medically safer drinking environment.

Summary:  The Tied House law is expanded to allow distillers, brewers, and wineries to sell liquor at leased restaurants that are contiguous.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate424

House921

Effective:  June 13, 2002