Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Gaming Committee

HB 1564

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 Summary of Bill

Grants the governing body of a municipality the authority to repeal a prohibition on the sale of liquor previously enacted pursuant to a public vote.

Background:

In 1934, after the repeal of prohibition, the Legislature enacted the Washington State Liquor Act, which remains in effect. The act includes provisions allowing incorporated cities, towns, and unincorporated areas of counties to hold an election on the question of whether the sale of liquor should be permitted. The only statutory method to repeal such prohibition is by another public vote at a general election. Areas that are annexed into a city following the enactment of a liquor prohibition are not subject to that prohibition.

In 1975, the citizens of the City of Fircrest voted on a ballot measure asking them to decide whether or not to prohibit the sale of liquor by the drink within the city. The prohibition was adopted, and all liquor sales by the drink were terminated 90 days later. Subsequent to the enactment of the prohibition, the City of Fircrest annexed new territory into the city. Under state law, such annexed areas are not subject to the city’s prohibition. Fircrest is currently the only city in the state which has this prohibition.

Summary of Bill:

The governing body of a municipality is granted the authority to repeal a prohibition on the sale of liquor previously enacted pursuant to a public vote. This authority may not be exercised for a minimum of two years after the initial prohibition was adopted.