SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5774
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 Passed Senate, March 7, 2013
Title: An act relating to authorizing applications for a special permit to allow alcohol tasting by persons at least eighteen years of age under certain circumstances.
Brief Description: Authorizing applications for a special permit to allow alcohol tasting by persons at least eighteen years of age under certain circumstances.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Hewitt, Holmquist Newbry, McAuliffe, Bailey, Keiser, Conway, Schoesler, Kohl-Welles, Mullet and Kline).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/22/13 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/07/13, 42-7.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5774 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Holmquist Newbry, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Conway, Ranking Member; Hewitt, Keiser and King.
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
Background: The Liquor Control Board (LCB) currently offers four different types or classes of permits. Class 1 permits allow physicians or dentists and those in charge of an institution regularly conducted as a hospital or sanitarium to purchase liquor. The Class 1 permit fee is $5.
A Class 2 permit allows a person engaged in a mechanical or manufacturing business or scientific pursuits that require alcohol, to purchase alcohol not to be used for beverage purposes. The Class 2 permit fee is $5 for five gallons or less, and $10 for over five gallons.
A Class 4 permit is for a business that does not hold a liquor license to serve liquor without charge to employees or invited guests. The Class 4 permit fee is $500.
A Class 6 permit allows someone operating a drug store to purchase alcohol to be sold on the prescription of a physician. The Class 6 permit fee is $5.
Summary of Substitute Bill: A special permit is created to allow tasting of alcohol by individuals who are at least 18 years old who are enrolled as a student in a class that is part of a culinary, wine technology, beer technology, or spirituous technology-related degree program. The permit applicant is a community or technical college. The permit allows tasting, not consuming, of alcohol as part of the class curriculum with approval of the educational provider.
Faculty or staff of the educational provider must supervise the service and tasting and be at least 21 years of age, and hold a class 12 or 13 alcohol server permit. Students may not purchase the alcoholic beverages.
LCB must waive the fee for such a permit.
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: Our college program works with local industry and is a positive influence on the local and regional economy. Washington is second only to California in wine production and this industry has been a bright spot in a down economy. We have given this serious consideration. This will improve these programs for all students.
OTHER: We are concerned about introducing alcohol to minors, and remind you of the state's zero tolerance policy on this issue. We urge that there be close supervision and oversight. We are neutral on this measure.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Steven VanAusdle, Walla Walla Community College, Tristan Hanon, Associated Students of WA State University.
OTHER: Rob Huss, WA State Patrol; Karen McCall, LCB.