FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 5517
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. |
C 52 L 13
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Changing the criteria for the beer and wine tasting endorsement for grocery stores.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, Hewitt, Hatfield, Honeyford and Shin).
Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor
House Committee on Government Accountability & Oversight
Background: Grocery stores licensed by the Liquor Control Board (LCB) to sell beer and wine are able to apply to LCB for an endorsement that allows them to offer beer and wine tasting. In order to qualify for this endorsement the grocery store must have retail sales of grocery products for off-premises consumption that amount to more than 50 percent of the licensee's gross sales, or be a membership organization with a requirement that members be over the age of 18. The grocery store must be at least 9000 square feet.
Beer and wine tasting samples must be two ounces or less, with up to a total of four ounces permitted per customer during a visit. Food must be available, customers tasting beer or wine must remain in the service area, and the service area must be where the licensee can ensure that persons under 21 and apparently intoxicated persons cannot possess or consume alcohol. Servers must have a class 12 alcohol server permit. The annual fee for the endorsement is $200. LCB can adopt rules to implement this practice.
Summary: Grocery stores licensed by LCB to sell beer and wine are able to apply to LCB for an endorsement that allows them to offer beer and wine tasting if they operate a fully enclosed retail area encompassing at least 10,000 square feet.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 38 | 11 | |
House | 81 | 12 |
Effective: | July 28, 2013. |