SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6390
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 Senate Committee On:
Commerce & Labor, January 29, 2016
Title: An act relating to increasing the number of wineries and microbreweries that may offer wine or beer samples at farmers markets.
Brief Description: Increasing the number of wineries and microbreweries that may offer wine or beer samples at farmers markets.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick and Bailey.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/29/16, 1/29/16 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Braun, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Keiser, King and Warnick.
Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)
Background: Wineries, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, and craft distilleries may obtain an endorsement from the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to sell their products for off-premises consumption at qualifying farmers markets. A qualifying farmers market is defined as an entity that sponsors a regular assembly of vendors at a defined location for the purpose of promoting the sale of agricultural products grown or produced in Washington directly to the consumer, and must meet certain specific minimum requirements.
The qualifying farmers market may apply to the LCB for an endorsement to allow sampling of wine and beer from a domestic winery or microbrewery. The wineries and breweries must also obtain an endorsement from the LCB. The wine must also be from grapes grown in Washington and the beer must be produced in Washington. Distilleries are prohibited from offering tastings or samples of spirits at a farmers market.
A total of up to three domestic wineries or microbreweries may offer samples at a qualified farmers market per day.
Summary of Bill: The maximum total number of domestic wineries and microbreweries allowed to offer samples at a farmers market is increased for three to six.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The ability to offer samples of wine at farmers markets is important to small wineries in our state. These programs assist small winery businesses that don't have large distribution systems. The current provision allowing only three participants is too limiting. Expanding to up to six domestic wineries or microbreweries will not create any problems, as the LCB has confirmed that there have been no enforcement issues this this program.
CON: Our objection to this bill is related not to its specific provisions, but to the cumulative effect of all the alcohol related bills that expand the opportunity to consume alcohol. The farmers markets are family-oriented events and expanding tasting of alcohol at these facilities sets a bad example for our youth.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Paul Beveridge, Family Wineries of Washington State.
CON: Seth Dawson , Wa. Assoc. for Substance Abuse Prevention.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.