SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6131

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 January 24, 2014

Title: An act relating to special occasion licenses.

Brief Description: Modifying special occasion licenses provisions.

Sponsors: Senators King, Kohl-Welles and Mullet.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/24/14.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: A not-for-profit organization that obtains a special occasion liquor license may sell spirits, beer, and wine by the individual glass to be consumed on the premises. This license permits the licensee to serve liquor at a specified event, on a specified date and place. The fee for this license is $60 per day and the organization is limited to sales on no more than 12 days per year.

The sale, service, and consumption of spirits, beer, or wine is limited to a designated area only. If an organization gets prior permission from the Liquor Control Board, the licensee may sell spirits, beer, or wine in original, unopened containers for off-premises consumption as well.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): In addition to serving spirits, beer, and wine by the individual glass for on-premises consumption, a not-for-profit organization that obtains a special occasion liquor license may also sell wine in original, unopened containers for consumption on the premises, if prior permission is obtained from the Liquor Control Board.

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: The current prohibition on serving wine from the bottle at special occasions is problematic for some organizations. This bill solves that issue; we support it.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Jean Leonard, WA Wine Institute.