Title: An act relating to the summary suspension of liquor licenses.

Brief Description: Modifying provisions affecting suspension of liquor licenses.

Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Parlette and Keiser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce, Research & Development: 2/08/07, 2/19/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

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

Staff: Jennifer Strus (786-7316)

Background: The Liquor Control Board can summarily suspend a liquor license or permit for 180 days without a prior hearing if it determines that the public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action and it incorporates a finding to that effect in its order.

Summary of Bill: An administrative law judge may extend the summary suspension period up to one calendar year if proceedings for revocation or other action cannot be completed during the initial 180 day period because of actions by the licensee or permittee.

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: PRO: Sometimes summary liquor license suspensions take a long time to conclude and those establishments that pose a threat should be thoroughly reviewed and this bill would allow the LCB to do that. This bill will assist the LCB in its suspension process.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kohl-Welles, prime sponsor; Roger Baker, Chief, Des Moines Police Department; Rick Garza, LCB.