Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Gaming Committee

HB 1380

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: Creating a special permit by a manufacturer of wine to hold a private event for the purpose of tasting and selling wine of its own production.

Sponsors: Representatives Wylie, Vick, Springer, Moscoso, Nealey, Walsh and Fey.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes the Liquor Control Board to issue a special permit to a wine manufacturer authorizing such manufacturer to conduct an invitation-only wine-tasting and sales event at a specified location on a specified date.

  • Requires that the wine served or sold at the event be the product of the hosting winery.

Hearing Date: 1/27/15

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

In addition to issuing liquor licenses to commercial entities, the Liquor Control Board (LCB) issues a variety of special permits for selling, serving, and handling alcohol at specified events or to persons or entities that do not hold a liquor license. Many special permits are of limited duration for a specified purpose or event, or are issued for a purpose falling outside the commercial activities ordinarily engaged in by a licensee.  For example, special permits are issued to allow for the consumption of liquor at banquets and to allow a manufacturer or distributor to donate liquor to delegates and guests at conventions and international trade fairs.  Unless a fee is specified in statute, the fees for permits are generally established by the LCB by rule.

Summary of Bill:

Authorizes the LCB to issue a special permit to a wine manufacturer authorizing such manufacturer to conduct a wine-tasting and sales event at a specified location on a specified date. The event may not be open to the general public, and the wine tasted or served must be the product of the hosting winery. The permit must be obtained online for a fee of $10 per event, and the application for the permit must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the event.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.