HB 2131-S - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Directs the board to devise a retail business plan, or amend an existing retail business plan, to implement strategies to improve the efficiency of retail sales operations and maximize revenue-generating opportunities. Strategies to be implemented shall include, but are not limited to expanding store operations to include Sunday sales in selected liquor stores until February 1, 2006.

Provides that, by September 1, 2004, the board shall implement a pilot program to expand operations in at least twenty state-operated retail stores to include Sundays.

Requires the board to track gross sales and expenses of the selected stores and compare them to previous years' sales and projected sales and expenses before opening on Sunday. The board shall also examine the sales of state and contract liquor stores in proximity to those stores opened on Sundays to determine whether Sunday openings has reduced the sales of other state and contract liquor stores that are not open on Sundays. The board shall present this information to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by January 31, 2006.

Provides that, before the board determines which state liquor stores will be open on Sundays, it shall give: (1) Due consideration to the location of the liquor store with respect to the proximity of places of worship, schools, and public institutions; and

(2) Written notice by certified mail of the proposed Sunday opening, including proposed Sunday opening hours, to places of worship, schools, and public institutions within five hundred feet of the liquor store proposed to be open on Sunday.

Repeals RCW 66.16.080.