Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Government Accountability & Oversight Committee

SB 5310

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

Creates a liquor license for nonprofit senior centers to sell spirits by the glass and beer and wine at retail for on-premises consumption.

Background:

An entity wishing to serve or sell alcoholic beverages must obtain a liquor license from the Liquor Control Board (LCB). Washington liquor statutes authorize various types of licenses, such as for restaurants, beer and wine retailers, sports entertainment facilities, and hotels. No license specifically applies to senior centers.

Nonprofit organizations may obtain a special occasion license to sell spirits, beer, and wine by the serving for on-premises consumption at a specific event only. This special occasion license, costing $60 per day, applies to only one event at a specific date and place. Additionally, nonprofit arts organizations such as theaters may obtain a general license to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption during productions or performances open to the general public. The arts organization entity must meet a variety of criteria to qualify for the license, including restrictions on officer compensation and use of proceeds from liquor sales. The nonprofit arts organization license costs $250.

Summary of Bill:

A senior center license is created, costing $750 annually. The license is available only to nonprofit organizations whose primary service is providing recreational and social activities for seniors on the licensed premises "senior center." The license permits a senior center to sell spirits by the glass and beer and wine at retail for on-premises consumption. Alcohol servers under the license must obtain a mandatory alcohol server training permit.

In order to qualify for the license, the senior center applicant must:

be a nonprofit organized under Washington law;
be open at times set by the LCB; and
offer limited food service as required by the LCB.

The LCB is given rulemaking authority over the senior center license, and the license is incorporated into statutes generally applicable to liquor licenses.