Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to the summary suspension of a liquor license pending revocation proceedings.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Chandler, Conway and Kenney; by request of Liquor Control Board.

Hearing Date: 2/6/03

Staff: Matt Cooper (786-7106).

Background:

The Liquor Control Board (Board) licenses and controls the sale and distribution of alcohol in Washington. The Board also enforces laws related to the sale of alcohol.

The Board may summarily suspend a liquor license and require the licensee to stop serving alcohol for up to 30 days without a prior hearing if it finds that health, safety, and welfare of the public requires immediate action. The Board has established rules for summarily suspending the license of an establishment involved in serious criminal activity. When the Board summarily suspends a license, the licensee may request a hearing on the issue.  

When the summary suspension expires, regardless of whether or not a hearing has been held, the licensee may return to serving alcohol.

Summary of Bill:

The up to 30 day limit on the period that a license may be summarily suspended is stricken.

Rules Authority: The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of the Board.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.