Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

HB 2179

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 Summary of Bill

Changes the city or town entity that receives notice of liquor license applications and that has the right to object to applications from the “chief executive officer” to the “legislative authority.”

Background:

The Liquor Control Board (Board) issues multiple types of liquor licenses, including winery, microbrewery, grocery store, restaurant, and nightclub licenses. Prior to issuing any type of new or renewal license, the Board must notify the chief executive officer of the city or town in which the applicant seeking a license is located. The city or town, through the official or employee selected by it, has the right to file a written objection to the issuance of a new or renewal license. When filing a written objection, the city or town may request that the Board hold a discretionary hearing to review the license application.

When an applicant is located in an unincorporated area, the Board must notify the county legislative authority of the application. The county legislative authority, or the official or employee selected by it, may object to the issuance of a new or renewal license and request a hearing.

Summary of Bill:

The city or town entity that receives notice of liquor licenses is changed from the “chief executive officer” to the “legislative authority.”

Prior to issuing any type of new or renewal license, the Board must notify the legislative authority of the city or town in which the applicant seeking a license is located. The legislative authority of the city or town, or the official or employee selected by it, may file a written objection and request a hearing.