SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1332

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.

Title: An act relating to limited on-premise spirits sampling.

Brief Description: Concerning limited on-premise spirits sampling.

Sponsors: House Committee on Government Accountability & Oversight (originally sponsored by Representatives Kirby, Condotta, Hunt, Alexander, Takko, Manweller, Hurst, Shea, Blake and Reykdal).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/04/13, 85-12.

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: Sampling of spirits, beer, and wine by retail customers is permitted in limited circumstances. Beer and wine specialty shops may serve samples of two ounces or less to a customer. Certain grocery stores may conduct tastings with an endorsement issued by the Liquor Control Board (LCB). Breweries and wineries may also serve samples. A craft distillery may provide one-half ounce or less samples of spirits, up to a total of two ounces per day to a customer, on its premises. With the enactment of ESHB 1202 in 2011 LCB was directed to establish a pilot project for spirits sampling in state and contract liquor stores. However, in December 2011, liquor sales became privatized and the LCB began the process of closing all state-operated liquor stores.

The responsible vendor program was created as part of I-1183. In it, participants must at a minimum: provide ongoing training to employees; accept only certain forms of identification for alcohol sales; adopt policies on alcohol sales and checking identification, post specific signs in the business, and keep records verifying compliance with the program's requirements. Licensees who maintain all of the program's requirements are not subject to doubling of the penalties for a single violation in any period of 12 calendar months. A class 12 alcohol server permit for managers or bartenders requires completion of a course certified by LCB. Curriculum includes subjects such as: the physiological effects of alcohol, liability and legal information, driving while intoxicated, effective intervention, methods for checking proper identification, and Washington laws.

Summary of Bill: Spirits retail license holders who participate in the responsible vendor program may provide samples of spirits. Servers must hold a class 12 alcohol server permit. Samples may be one-half ounces or less. No one may be served more than a total of one and one-half ounces of spirits. Sampling must be conducted in compliance with guidelines or requirements set by LCB.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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: This bill extends tasting to those who have retail licenses and strikes a good balance. It is identical to the Senate bill and helps promote products at retail while protecting public safety.

CON: We have concerns about expanding access and exposure to alcohol for minors. This sampling in stores will affect the way that parents model behavior and will send a message that drinking is acceptable.

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

CON: Derek Franklin, WA Assn. for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention.