SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1718

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 creating a special permit for certain wine auctions.

Brief Description: Creating a special permit for certain wine auctions.

Sponsors: Representatives Jenkin, Kirby, Barkis, Vick, Stanford, Nealey, Springer, Fey and Condotta.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/16/17, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Commerce, Labor & Sports:

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to issue a special permit to a nonprofit organization allowing such organization to sell wine through a private auction.

  • Authorizes the permit holder to conduct wine tastings at the auction, provided the wine offered for tasting is the same as that being auctioned.

  • Authorizes the permit holder to sell wine sourced from multiple wineries, but each winery must be identified on the permit application.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, LABOR & SPORTS

Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background: The LCB is authorized to issue a variety of special permits and licenses for selling, serving, and handling alcohol at specified events or to persons or entities that do not hold a liquor license. Nonprofit organizations are among the entities eligible for such special permits and licenses.

A nonprofit organization that obtains a special occasion liquor license from the LCB may sell spirits, beer, and wine by the individual glass to be consumed on the premises. This license permits the licensee to serve liquor at a specified event, on a specified date and place. The holder of this license may also sell wine in original, unopened containers for consumption on the premises, if prior permission is obtained from the LCB.

Additionally, a domestic winery may sell wine of its own production at a nonprofit organization's licensed special occasion event.

Summary of Bill: The LCB is authorized to issue a special permit to a nonprofit organization allowing such organization to sell wine through a private auction. The permit holder may conduct wine tastings at the auction, provided the wine offered for tasting is the same as that being auctioned. The permit is for a single event to be held at a specific time and in a specific place.

The wine offered for auction may be sourced from multiple wineries and the permit application must identify each winery participating in the auction. The total fee for a permitted auction event is $27 multiplied by the number of wineries that are selling wine at the event. The LCB may adopt rules to implement this special permitting process.

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.