SENATE BILL REPORT
SCR 8407
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, March 9, 2007
Brief Description: Addressing liquor laws.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Clements, Keiser and Parlette.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce, Research & Development: 3/09/07 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8407 be substituted therefor, and the substitute concurrent resolution do pass.Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Clements, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin, Holmquist, Murray and Prentice.
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: The Liquor Control Board (LCB) is responsible for overseeing the manufacture, sale, and distribution of spirits, beer, and wine in this state. The statutes that the LCB enforces was originally passed in 1933. The statutes have been amended over the years to accommodate certain issues raised by different interest groups.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Labor,
Commerce, Research & Development): A joint select committee on the state liquor laws is
established to review the liquor licensing and tied house laws to determine whether those laws
should be continued in their present form or changed to decrease the number of bills introduced
in the Legislature each year.
The committee consists of eight members. The Senate Majority Leader is to appoint four
members, two each from the two largest caucuses in the Senate. The Speaker of the House is to
appoint four members, two each from the two largest caucuses in the House.
The joint select committee is to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature at the
regular session held in 2008.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There is support for coming up with a general overarching philosophy that eliminates the piecemeal approach to amending the law that we have seen for years. The LCB needs more flexibility in interpreting and enforcing laws. The question that should be asked is whether the premise upon which the tied house laws are based is still relevant today. Many people think it is not. The laws are arcane and need to be updated. Many of the current laws are an impediment to the economic development of the state wine industry and need to be reviewed. The LCB is working on some recommendations regarding the tied house laws and will have those ready by the time this committee begins to meet, and it would be happy to share those recommendations and work with the committee.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Rick Garza, LCB; Jim Halstrom, Northwest Racing; Becky Bogard, Washington State Sports and Entertainment Facilities Operators Association; Michael Transue, Washington Restaurant Association; Jean Leonard, Washington Wine Institute; Carrie Tellefson, Washington Food Industry Association; Ron Main, Beer and Wine Wholesalers.