HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5155

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 House Committee On:

Commerce & Gaming

Title: An act relating to special occasion licenses.

Brief Description: Modifying special occasion licenses provisions.

Sponsors: Senator King.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Commerce & Gaming: 3/17/15, 3/23/15 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Modifies the special occasion liquor license to permit the sale of bottled wine for on-premises consumption.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & GAMING

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Hurst, Chair; Wylie, Vice Chair; Blake, Kirby, Van De Wege and Vick.

Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Holy, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Scott.

Staff: David Rubenstein (786-7153).

Background:

A not-for-profit society or organization may obtain a special occasion liquor license to sell spirits, beer, and wine by the individual serving, for on-premises consumption at a specified date and time. With prior permission from the Liquor Control Board (Board), an organization with a special occasion license may also sell spirits, beer, and wine in original, unopened containers for off-premises consumption. The fee for a special occasion license is $60 per day. Sales under this license are limited to 12 calendar days per year.

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Summary of Bill:

The holder of a special occasion license may sell wine in original, unopened containers for on-premises consumption with prior approval from the Board.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) At charity events, the charity can only sell a glass at a time or sell bottles for off-premises consumption.  If a table full of sponsors wants to buy a bottle to share, they cannot do so.  This bill will allow them to do that.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator King, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.