Brief Description: Modifying identification requirements for liquor purchases.

Sponsors: Representative McDonald.

Hearing Date: 2/21/05

Staff: Rebekah Ward (786-7106).

Background:

Certain retailers are required to check a customer's identification whenever there is a question as to whether the customer is at least 21 years old, and therefore, legally permitted to purchase liquor. The five types of identification that may be used as proof of age when purchasing liquor or tobacco are:

(1) Liquor control authority card of identification for any state or province of Canada;
(2) Driver's license, instruction permit or identification card of any state;
(3) U.S. military identification;
(4) Passport; and
(5) Merchant marine identification card issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

These types of identification show age, signature and photo of the holder. No other forms of identification may be accepted as proof of age.

Liquor control authority cards may be used as proof of age to purchase liquor in at least two other states (Massachusetts and Vermont) and in at least four Canadian provinces and territories (Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and the Yukon).

Liquor control authority cards have not been issued by the Washington Liquor Control Board since 1971, when the Department of Licensing began issuing identification cards.

Summary of Bill:

"Liquor control authority cards" are deleted from the list of acceptable types of identification that may be used as proof of age when purchasing liquor.

Rules Authority:   The bill contains no provisions requiring regarding agency rule making.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.