Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Gaming Committee

HB 2568

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

Creates a new form of liquor license, designated as an "art activity license", that may be issued to a qualifying business whose primary purpose is providing art instruction to the public.
Authorizes a qualifying licensee to engage in the retail sale of wine and beer for on-premises consumption provided such liquor sales are not the principle business conducted on the licensed premises and other requirements are met.
Establishes a licensing fee of 125 dollars per year.

Background:

The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) issues a wide variety of liquor licenses and license endorsements to commercial entities such as grocery stores, restaurants, taverns, and farmers markets. The LCB also issues a license known as a "snack bar license" authorizing the retail sale of beer in bottles or cans for consumption within the licensed premises. The license may only be issued to business establishments where the sale of beer is not the principal business activity. The LCB's administrative rules require that a snack bar licensee provide designated seating for the consumption of beer and that snack food such as peanuts, popcorn, and chips be made available to customers.

Summary of Bill:

The act creates a new form of liquor license, designated as an art activity license, that may be issued to businesses involved in art instruction activities and meeting specified requirements. A qualifying licensee is authorized to engage in the retail sale of wine and beer for on-premises consumption. Wine may be sold only by the glass and beer may be sold by the glass, bottle, or can. To qualify for the license a business must meet the following requirements:

The applicant must be a business whose primary purpose is providing instruction to customers who participate in an art activity such as painting, pottery, or sculpting.

The sale of wine or beer may not be the principal business of the premises to be licensed.

Wine and beer must be consumed in a designated seating area, which may include an area where an instructor leads group activities.

The fee for an art activity license is 125 dollars per year.