| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
HB 2240
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: Allowing certain activities between domestic wineries, domestic breweries, microbreweries, certificate of approval holders, and retail sellers of beer or wine.
Sponsors: Representatives Conway, Condotta and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/23/07
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
The "tied-house" law prohibits liquor manufacturers from having a financial interest in a licensed
retailer or from providing things of value ("money or moneys' worth") to a retailer.
The Legislature has enacted several exceptions to the tied-house law. In 2006, legislation was
passed to allow domestic wineries and retailers to jointly produce brochures and materials
promoting tourism which contain information about domestic wineries, retailers, and their
products.
Summary of Bill:
The provision allowing domestic wineries and retailers to jointly produce tourism materials is
expanded to include regional, state, or local wine industry associations.
Domestic wineries and breweries, microbreweries, and certificate of approval holders may
include on their web sites information about retailers who sell or promote their products,
including links to the retailers' web sites. Retailers may likewise provide information and links
on their web sites for wineries, breweries, microbreweries, and certificate of approval holders.
Domestic wineries and breweries, microbreweries, and certificate of approval holders may
provide personal services for a licensed retailer on the retailer's premises that are intended to
inform, educate, or enhance customers' knowledge or experience of the manufacturer's products.
The personal services may include participation and pouring at the premises of a retailer with an
on-premises consumption license, bottle signings, and similar informational or educational
activities.
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.