SHB 2501

SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 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.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce, Research & Development, February 25, 2008

Title: An act relating to beer and wine specialty shops.

Brief Description: Regarding malt liquor sold by beer and/or wine specialty shops.

Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Williams, Newhouse, Moeller and Upthegrove).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/08, 90-4.

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce, Research & Development: 2/25/08 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin, Hewitt, King, Murray and Prentice.

Staff: Ingrid Mungia (786-7423)

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:

Spirits, beer, and wine restaurants: Licensees are required to attain an endorsement from the Board, and the containers can be 4 gallons or more.
Beer and/or wine restaurants and taverns: Licensees are required to attain an additional license, and the license allows containers holding malt liquor of 4 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.

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 Revised Code of Washington.

Summary of Bill: Beer and/or wine specialty shops may sell containers of malt liquor that hold 4 gallons or more of liquid, and they must comply with keg registration procedures.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute Bill: PRO: This is a good bill. It allows brewing businesses to diversify their business plan and expand.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Arlen Harris, WA Brewers Guild.