HB 2501

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 2501

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: Increasing the size of containers holding malt liquor that can be sold by beer and/or wine specialty shops.

Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Newhouse, Moeller and Upthegrove.

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows beer or wine specialty shops to sell malt liquor in kegs with a capacity of less than 15.5 gallons of liquid.

Hearing Date: 1/31/08

Staff: Brian Considine (786-7290).

Background:

The Liquor Control Board (Board) issues a number of types of liquor licenses. These include licenses for spirits, beer, and wine restaurants, beer and/or wine restaurants, taverns, grocery stores, and beer and/or wine specialty shops. Kegs (or other containers holding four gallons or more) of malt liquor may be sold by the following licensees:

Beer and/or wine restaurants and taverns: Licensees are required to attain an additional license, and the license allows containers holding malt liquor of four gallons or more.

Grocery stores: Licensees are required to attain an endorsement issued by the Board, and containers must be smaller than 5.5 gallons.
Beer and/or wine specialty shops: Licensees are required to attain an endorsement from the Board, and containers must be smaller than 5.5 gallons.
Spirits, beer, and wine restaurants: Licensees are required to attain an endorsement from the Board, and the containers can be four gallons or more.

Beer and/or wine restaurants and taverns; grocery stores; and spirits, beer, and wine restaurants are required to follow keg registration procedures listed in the code.

Summary of Bill:

Beer and/or wine specialty shops are allowed to sell malt liquor in kegs or other containers capable of holding less than 15.5 gallons of liquid.

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

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2008.

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