SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6601

As Passed Senate, February 14, 2002

Title:  An act relating to 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.

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.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  2/7/02, 2/5/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/14/02, 42-4.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Fairley, Franklin, Gardner, Hochstatter, Honeyford, Rasmussen, Regala, West and Winsley.

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786‑7472)

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

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  The bill would be useful to business.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Prentice, prime sponsor.