Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 1975


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.

Brief Description: Addressing spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses.

Sponsors: Representatives Springer, Condotta and Wood.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows restaurants with a catering endorsement issued by the Liquor Control Board to store liquor off premises under certain conditions.

Hearing Date: 2/23/07

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

The Liquor Control Board (Board) issues a number of types of liquor licenses. A spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license allows the sale of spirits, beer, and wine for consumption on the premises. A beer and/or wine restaurant license allows the sale of beer or wine, or both, for on-premises consumption.

A holder of either of these restaurant licenses may apply for a caterer's endorsement. The endorsement allows the restaurant to remove liquor from the premises for a catered event. The catered event must be sponsored by a not-for-profit group organized for specified purposes unless attendance is limited to members or invited guests. The caterer's endorsement may also be used for an event at a domestic winery or on a passenger vessel.

Summary of Bill:

A restaurant with a catering endorsement as part of a spirits, beer, and wine license or a beer and/or wine license issued by the Board may store liquor on the premises of another under conditions established by the Board. There must be a written agreement between the restaurant and the other party to provide for ongoing catering services, the agreement must not contain any exclusivity clauses regarding the liquor to be served, and the agreement must be filed with the Board.

A restaurant may also store liquor on other premises owned or controlled by a leasehold interest by that licensee, and at wineries and on passenger vessels.

Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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