Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Gaming Committee

HB 2605

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 beer to hold a private event for the purpose of tasting and selling beer of its own production.

Brief Summary of Bill

Authorizes the Liquor and Cannabis Board to issue a special permit to a beer manufacturer allowing the manufacturer to conduct a private tasting and sales event involving beer of its own production.

Background:

Wine manufacturers and distilleries may apply to the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) for a special permit to conduct tastings and sales of wine or spirits of their own production. The permit allows for the sale and consumption of wine or liquor at private, invitation-only gatherings held in a specific place and at a specific time. The permit costs $10 and must be displayed during the event. The LCB may issue no more than 12 permits per year to a single wine manufacturer or distillery.

The LCB is not authorized to issue a special permit to beer manufacturers to hold similar private events.

Summary of Bill:

The LCB is authorized to issue a special permit to a beer manufacturer allowing the manufacturer to conduct a private tasting and sales event involving beer of its own production. The permit allows for the sale and consumption of beer at private, invitation-only gatherings held in a specified place at a specified time. The permit costs $10 and must be displayed during the event. The LCB may issue no more than 12 permits per year to a single beer manufacturer.