Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 2699

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.

Background:

A food storage warehouse is any establishment where food is stored, kept, or held for wholesale distribution; or any facility selling or distributing food to the ultimate consumer. In this context, "food" includes any articles used for food or drink. Food storage warehouses must be licensed by the Department of Agriculture (WSDA) unless they are inspected annually for compliance with current federal good manufacturing practices (Title 21 C.F.R. Part 110) by a WSDA-approved independent sanitation consultant.

The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is responsible for issuing various licenses for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The LCB may require an inspection of the premises upon application or renewal of any license, consider prior criminal history of an applicant, and has the authority to grant or deny a license application or renewal. Additionally, the LCB has the discretion to suspend or revoke licenses, subject to adjudicative proceedings, and must suspend licenses for licensees who:

have been certified by the Department of Social and Health Services as being out of compliance with a support order; or
are more than 30 days delinquent in reporting or remitting spirits taxes to the Department of Revenue.

Summary of Bill:

Food storage warehouses used to store alcohol beverages that are already licensed for manufacture or distribution by the LCB, and where alcohol beverages are the only food stored in the warehouse, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a food storage warehouse license from the WSDA.