Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Commerce & Gaming Committee |
SB 5164
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: Authorizing grocery store license endorsements allowing beer and wine tastings at certain grocery stores that specialize in the sale of meat, poultry, seafood, or cheese.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Fain, Rivers and Rolfes.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date:
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
A grocery store licensed to sell beer and/or wine may obtain an endorsement from the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to offer beer and wine tastings. To be eligible, a store must meet the following criteria:
The store must operate a fully enclosed retail area that encompasses at least 10,000 square feet.
The store has not had more than one public safety violation within the two years preceding its application for the endorsement.
The LCB may issue a beer and wine tasting endorsement to a store with a retail area smaller than 10,000 square feet if the store meets operational requirements established by the LCB and the LCB finds there are no stores in the community that meet the minimum size requirement.
Grocery stores with beer and wine tasting endorsements must comply with specified requirements, including:
The licensee must be able to observe and control customers in the service area.
Individual samples are limited to 2 ounces, up to a total of 4 ounces, per customer per visit.
Food for participants must be available.
Customers must remain in the service area while consuming samples.
Employees of licensees whose duties include serving beer and/or wine during tasting events must hold a Class 12 alcohol server permit.
A tasting endorsement may be suspended and not reissued for up to two years if a licensee commits a public safety violation in conjunction with tasting activities.
The fee for the tasting endorsement is $200 per year. The LCB may increase the fee up to 10 percent annually to defray the cost of the administration and enforcement of the endorsement.
Summary of Bill:
The LCB is authorized to issue a beer and wine tasting endorsement to a grocery store with a retail area of less than 10,000 square feet, provided the store derives at least 50 percent of its revenue from the sale of any combination of fresh meat, fresh poultry, seafood, or cheese. The term "fresh" has the same meaning as established by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.