SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1008

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 of February 14, 2014

Title: An act relating to allowing sales of growlers of cider.

Brief Description: Allowing sales of growlers of cider.

Sponsors: Representatives S. Hunt, Appleton, Hurst, McCoy, Condotta, Fitzgibbon, Tharinger, Upthegrove, Reykdal and Magendanz.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/13, 96-2.

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 3/29/13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: The following licensees are permitted to sell beer in a growler, which is a sanitary container brought to the premises by the purchaser or furnished by the licensee and filled at the tap at the time of sale: domestic breweries and microbreweries holding a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license able to sell beer of their own production for off-premises consumption; a beer and wine specialty shop licensee with an endorsement to sell growlers; a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensee able to sell for off-premises consumption; and hotel licensees.

Cider is a table wine with at least 0.5 percent and up to 7 percent alcohol by volume, and is made from fermenting apples or pears.

Summary of Bill: Licensees that can already sell beer in growlers can also sell cider in growlers.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There is an increasing demand for cider growlers from customers. This will promote local Washington produce.

OTHER: Federal law does not permit retail licensees to sell growlers of wine, which is what this is. This is a possible violation of federal law.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hunt, prime sponsor; Cindy Zehnder, Total Wine and More.

OTHER: Rick Garza, Liquor Control Board.