SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1038

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 of March 8, 2017

Title: An act relating to increasing the number of tasting rooms allowed under a domestic winery license.

Brief Description: Increasing the number of tasting rooms allowed under a domestic winery license.

Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Gaming (originally sponsored by Representatives Condotta, Stanford, Johnson, Vick, Haler and Sawyer).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/17, 94-4.

Committee Activity: Commerce, Labor & Sports:

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases, from two to four, the number of separate locations from which a domestic winery may serve samples of its own products, sell its own wine at retail, and sell its own wine in kegs or sanitary containers.

  • Requires a report each biennium to the House Committee on Commerce and Gaming, until 2023, regarding the number of new domestic wineries.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, LABOR & SPORTS

Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background: A domestic winery license, issued by the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), authorizes the manufacture of wine in the state. Subject to certain restrictions, domestic wineries may act as distributors and retailers of wine of their own production. Such wineries must comply with applicable laws and rules relating to distributors and retailers.

A domestic winery may have up to two locations, separate from its manufacturing site, where the winery may serve samples and sell wine of its own production at retail. The LCB must approve each additional tasting room.

Summary of Bill: The number of locations separate from a domestic winery's production or manufacturing sites from which a domestic winery may serve samples of its own products, sell wine of its own production at retail, and sell for off-premises consumption wines of its own production in kegs or sanitary containers brought to the premises by the purchaser or furnished by the domestic winery and filled at the tap at the time of sale is increased from two to four.

The LCB must submit a report to the House Committee on Commerce and Gaming regarding the number of new domestic wineries each biennium. The first report is due on June 30, 2019, and a report is due every two years thereafter through June 30, 2023.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.