SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6346

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

Allows snack bar liquor licensees to sell wine by the glass for on-premises consumption.
Removes the limitation that prohibited the sale of beer from being the business's main purpose.

Background: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is authorized to issue snack bar licenses for the retail sales of beer, by the opened bottle or can, for on-premises consumption only. The license is only available when the sale of beer is not the main purpose of the business. The snack bar licensees are required to have snack food available, such as peanuts, popcorn, and chips. LCB's administrative rules require the snack bar to have a designated seating area for the on-premises consumption of beer.

Summary of Bill: The snack bar liquor license is expanded to include the retail sales of wine by the glass for on-premises consumption. The prohibition regarding the sale of beer as being the business's main purpose is removed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We are trying to allow breweries to also be able to sell wine by the glass to their customers who do not want to drink beer. We are willing to work with the LCB to perfect this bill. Our business misses out on a lot of opportunities for hosting events because our brewery is not able to sell wine.

CON: Our objection to this bill is related not to its specific provisions, but to the cumulative effect of all the alcohol related bills that have come before this bill and the ones that will come afterwards. These bills continue to expand the opportunity to consume alcohol and create mixed messages for our youth.

OTHER: The bill is very broad and opens up the possibility that many different license holders may want to switch to this license. As written, it would allow Les Schaub to start serving beer and wine at their tire stores. We are willing to work on a better approach to address the brewery's concerns, perhaps through amendment to a different license or through the use of a special endorsement.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Dean Takko, Prime Sponsor; Annie McGrath, Washington Brewers Guild; Jarrett Skreen, owner, Ashtown Brewing Company; Richard Ericksen, citizen. CON: Seth Dawson, Washington Association for Substance Abuse Prevention. OTHER: Becky Smith, Liquor and Cannabis Board.