SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6334
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 February 6, 2014
Title: An act relating to sales of growlers of wine or beer.
Brief Description: Concerning the sales of growlers of wine or beer.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Hewitt, Kohl-Welles, Honeyford, Parlette and Kline.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/05/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
Background: The following licensees are permitted to sell beer in a growler, which is a sanitary container brought to the premises by the purchaser or furnished by the licensee and filled at the tap at the time of sale: domestic breweries and microbreweries holding a spirits, beer, or wine restaurant license able to sell beer of their own production for off-premises consumption; a beer or wine specialty shop licensee with an endorsement to sell growlers; a spirits, beer, or wine restaurant licensee able to sell for off-premises consumption; and hotel licensees.
Summary of Bill: Domestic wineries are permitted to sell wine and beer at retail. They are also permitted to sell wine of their own production and beer in kegs or growlers that comply with federal requirements for consumption on or off premises.
Domestic breweries may sell beer of their own production and wine in kegs or growlers for consumption on or off the premises.
Microbreweries with a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license can sell beer of its own production and wine in kegs or growlers for consumption on or off the premises.
Beer and wine retail licensees may sell beer and wine in kegs or growlers for consumption on or off premises. Beer and wine specialty shops may sell beer and wine in growlers. Spirits, beer, and wine restaurants may sell beer and wine in growlers. Hotel licensees may sell beer and wine in growlers.
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: This is our most popular item, it allows us to offer our product at other locations. It saves resources.
OTHER: We support the bill, but have concerns about California wines being served by some of the licensees.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Geoffrey Gruetzmacher, The Growler Guys, owner; John Morgan, Paul Beveridge, Family Wineries of WA State.
OTHER: Katie Jacoy, CA Wine Institute; Rowland Thompson, Wine Institute.