SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6173

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Labor & Commerce, February 4, 2020

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Allows certain spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees to obtain an endorsement to sell bottled or canned beer for off-premises consumption.
Applies only to the licensees located in counties with only one city.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6173 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; King, Ranking Member; Braun, Schoesler, Walsh and Wellman.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator Saldaña.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Conway, Vice Chair; Stanford.

Background: A spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license authorizes restaurants to sell spirits, beer, and/or wine, for on-premises consumption. Licensees must serve complete meals and meet specific food service, kitchen equipment, and floor space requirements, as defined by the Liquor and Cannabis Board's (LCB) rules.

Licensees may obtain a written endorsement from the LCB for the sale of wine, beer in kegs, and beer in growlers for off-premises consumption. Spirits and bottles or cans of beer may not be sold for off-premises consumption.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): The LCB may issue an endorsement to certain spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees allowing the licensee to sell bottled or canned beer for off-premises consumption. The new endorsement is only available to the restaurant licensees located in a county with only one city. Those counties include Columbia, Garfield, Jefferson, Mason, San Juan, and Wahkiakum counties.

The beer must be in the original sealed packages from the manufacturer or bottler.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE (First Substitute): The new endorsement is only available to the restaurant licensees located in a county with only one city.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: We only have one city in our county and when the local convenience store is closed, there is no place our citizens can purchase beer. Adding this change to the statute will allow our local spirits, beer, and wine licensed restaurant to sell a six-pack of beer to go. The bill could be narrowed to just counties with one city.