HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1244

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 House Committee On:

State Government & Tribal Affairs

Title: An act relating to liquor permits and licenses.

Brief Description: Modifying liquor permit and licensing provisions.

Sponsors: Representatives Condotta, Hunt, Taylor and Miloscia.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 2/3/11, 2/16/11 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant to sell beer in a sanitary container brought to the premises by the purchaser or furnished by the restaurant and filled at the tap by the restaurant at the time of sale (e.g., growlers).
Allows a liquor mixer vendor to obtain a special permit to serve liquor at a liquor licensee trade association convention.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Taylor, Ranking Minority Member; Overstreet, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Condotta, Dunshee, Hurst, McCoy and Miloscia.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Darneille.

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

The Liquor Control Board (Board) issues a variety of liquor licenses, including microbrewery and restaurant licenses. Spirits, beer, and wine restaurants may obtain an endorsement to sell malt liquor in kegs or other containers that are capable of holding four gallons or more. Some licensees may sell beer in a sanitary container brought to the premises by the purchaser and filled at the tap at the time of sale (e.g., growlers). Licensees with this privilege are: (1) breweries and microbreweries (those that also hold a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license); and (2) beer and wine restaurants, and taverns (those that also hold a "combined" license). Breweries and microbreweries may also furnish the container.

A special liquor permit allows a manufacturer, importer, or distributor to serve liquor without charge to delegates and guests at a convention of a trade association of liquor licensees. The liquor must be served in a hospitality room or from a booth in a Board-approved suppliers' display room.

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Summary of Bill:

The endorsement permitting a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant to sell kegs also allows the sale of beer in a sanitary container brought to the premises by the purchaser or furnished by the licensee and filled at the tap by the restaurant at the time of sale (e.g., growlers).

A vendor that manufactures liquor mixers, in addition to a manufacturer, importer, or distributor, may obtain a special permit to serve liquor at a liquor licensee trade association convention.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Being able to sell growlers will boost sales and keep revenue in the community. Many beers are available in draft form only because bottling is expensive. This is one of the annual adjustments to liquor laws. Beer and wine specialty shops should also be able to sell growlers.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Condotta, prime sponsor; Randall Weaver, Tacoma Pipe and Tobacco; and Julia Clark, Washington Restaurant Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.