SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6159

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Commerce & Labor, January 27, 2014

Title: An act relating to the regulation of alcoholic beverages.

Brief Description: Concerning the regulation of alcoholic beverages.

Sponsors: Senator Conway; by request of Liquor Control Board.

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/24/14, 1/27/14 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Holmquist Newbry, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Conway, Ranking Member; Hasegawa, Hewitt, King and Kohl-Welles.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: The passage of I-1183 and the ensuing privatization of the distribution and sale of spirits required that the state of Washington through the Liquor Control Board (LCB) no longer operate state liquor stores. References to state and contract liquor stores can still be found in statute.

Although a general reference is made in statute to the taxes imposed for sales of spirits, the specific reference which states the type and amount of taxes was not referenced.

Certificate of approval holders must file a report to LCB on the 15th of each month.

Employees of certain businesses licensed to serve alcohol can take orders for, serve, and sell liquor if they are between 18 and 21 years of age. However, they must be 21 years of age in order to serve in a cocktail lounge, bar, or any other area deemed off limits to those under 21 years of age by LCB. Existing statutory language has confused licensees because it refers to these employees as the licensees, when it is actually the business that is the licensee.

Summary of Bill: References to state-operated or contract liquor stores are removed.

Reference to the specific statute which provides both the type and amount of taxes is included in the appropriate sections.

Certificate of approval holders must file a report with LCB by the 20th of each month.

Language is provided to clarify that it is the business which holds the liquor-related license and not the employees of the business.

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 is an agency clean-up bill.

Persons Testifying: PRO: James Paribello, WA State LCB.