SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6386

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, February 3, 2014

Title: An act relating to alcohol tasting by students under twenty-one years of age.

Brief Description: Clarifying provisions that allow for the tasting of alcohol by students under twenty-one years of age.

Sponsors: Senators Holmquist Newbry, Kohl-Welles, Hewitt and Brown.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/31/14, 2/03/14 [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: A community or technical college with a culinary, wine, beer, or spirits technology related degree program may apply for a special permit from the Liquor Control Board (LCB). This special permit allows students enrolled in a culinary, beer, wine, or spirits technology program who are at least 18 years of age to taste but not consume alcoholic beverages. Service of the alcoholic beverage must be supervised by a faculty or staff member who is at least 21 years of age and who possesses a mandatory alcohol server permit. The special permit fee is waived by LCB.

Summary of Bill: In addition to community and technical colleges, regional and state universities with a culinary, wine, beer, or spirits technology, or sommelier, wine business, enology, or viticulture-related degree program may apply for a special permit from LCB. This special permit allows students enrolled in these programs who are at least 18 years of age to taste but not consume alcoholic beverages. Service of the alcoholic beverage must be supervised by a faculty or staff member who is at least 21 years of age and who possesses a mandatory alcohol server permit. The special permit fee is waived by LCB.

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 the same concept as the bill last year for community and technical colleges. This enhances the student experience in these programs and supports the growing industry.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Chris Mulick, WA State University; Ann Anderson, Central WA University.