HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6572
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
March 5, 2008
Title: An act relating to off-premises microbrewery warehouses.
Brief Description: Allowing microbreweries to maintain off-premises warehouses for distribution.
Sponsors: By Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Spanel, Jacobsen, Kohl-Welles and McDermott).
Brief History:
Commerce & Labor: 2/26/08, 2/28/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/5/08, 96-0.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Crouse, Green, Moeller and Williams.
Staff: Brian Considine (786-7290).
Background:
Microbreweries are permitted to act as distributors for beer of their own production. A
microbrewery license (license) authorizes a microbrewery to distribute its own product
directly to retailers from its premises, and distribution is only allowed from a microbreweries
premises since the license only attaches to its premises.
Summary of Bill:
A microbrewery operating as a self-distributor is authorized to maintain one warehouse site
off the premises of the microbrewery for the distribution of beer if the warehouse is approved
by the Liquor Control Board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed, except section 2 which reinstates prior law related to microbrewerie's license after a scheduled expiration and takes effect June 30, 2008.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill will help small microbreweries with distribution of its beer. It will
reduce trips on freeways and reduce the environmental impact of brewers outside the Seattle
area who spend a lot of time driving back and forth on Interstate 5. Microbreweries worked
closely with the Liquor Control Board on the language for this bill.
(Neutral) This bill would allow for an additional warehouse and the warehouse could be
placed in downtown Seattle to service Seattle-area customers.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Senator Spanel, prime sponsor; and Arlen Harris,
Washington Brewers Guild.
(Neutral) Rick Garza, Washington State Liquor Control Board.