Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Commerce & Gaming Committee |
HB 1342
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. |
Brief Description: Permitting the sale of cider in microbrewery tasting rooms.
Sponsors: Representatives Bergquist, Condotta, Takko, S. Hunt, Wylie, Magendanz and Moscoso.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/27/15
Staff: David Rubenstein (786-7153).
Background:
A microbrewery license authorizes production of up to 60,000 barrels of beer per year. There are 280 licensed microbreweries in the state. Microbreweries are also permitted to sell beer for on-premises consumption and may sell beer produced by another microbrewery, provided that the other brewery's beers do not constitute more than 25 percent of the on-tap offerings.
Cider, or fermented apple or pear juice containing between 0.5 percent and 7 percent alcohol, is defined as wine under the liquor control statutes. Microbreweries may not serve wine without a separate license, such as a tavern license or a beer and/or wine restaurant license.
Summary of Bill:
Licensed microbreweries may sell cider produced by a domestic winery for on-premises or off-premises consumption.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/20/15.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.