Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 2790

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: Making technical and clarifying changes to the liquor laws.

Sponsors: Representative Conway.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Adds references to additional types of licenses to a 2009 law allowing financial relationships between various tiers of the liquor industry and makes housekeeping and technical changes.

Hearing Date: 1/20/10

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

In 2009 legislation was enacted (EHB 2040) which repealed the law prohibiting certain relationships between the manufacturer and distributor tiers of the liquor industry ("industry members") and the retailer tier. The list of statutes identifying industry members and retailers did not include distillers or hotels. In 2009 the Legislature also created a new retail license, the nightclub license. A separate bill amended the tied-house law which EHB 2040 repealed.

A number of references to the repealed tied house law remain in the code.

Another section of the liquor title contains incorrect references to definitions.

Summary of Bill:

The tied-house law in effect prior to 2009 is repealed. Distillers, hotels, and nightclubs are added to the lists of industry member and retailer licenses.

Cross-references to the prior tied-house law are deleted.

References to definitions are corrected.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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