Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Regulated Substances & Gaming Committee
HB 2060
Brief Description: Creating an establishment private club license.
Sponsors: Representative Couture.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates a new liquor license called an "establishment private club license," at a cost of $125 annually, authorizing members of a private club to consume liquor when in a restricted area of a business that holds the new license and does not sell or advertise liquor.
  • Prohibits liquor from being sold or provided by the licensee to the public or club members, or by the club or club members to the public.
  • Specifies that only club members may consume liquor on the premises and only when in the restricted area that is not accessible or advertised to the general public.
Hearing Date: 1/9/24
Staff: Peter Clodfelter (786-7127).
Background:

The Liquor and Cannabis Board issues a variety of liquor licenses and permits authorizing activities related to the manufacture, distribution, sale, service, use, or consumption of beer, wine, spirits, and other liquor.  There are unique privileges and restrictions associated with each liquor license or permit.  Annual fee amounts for liquor licenses typically range between $100 and $2,500 depending on the license type.  Fee amounts for liquor permits typically range between no cost to over $100 depending on the permit type.
Summary of Bill:

A new liquor license is created, designated as an "establishment private club license," to be issued to a person or business for a premises at which a business that is open to the general public and does not sell or advertise liquor is located.  Subject to requirements, an establishment private club license authorizes the consumption of liquor by members of a private club in a restricted area of the premises that is separate from the areas to which the general public has access.

 

The following requirements apply to licensees and to alcohol consumption authorized under the terms of an establishment private club license:

  • No liquor may be sold or provided by the licensee to the general public or to members of the private club, or by the private club or members of the private club to the general public.
  • Only members of the private club may consume liquor on the premises and only when in a restricted area of the premises that is not accessible to or advertised to the general public.
  • Liquor consumed on the premises by a member of the private club must not be provided by the licensee.

 

The annual fee for the establishment private club license is $125.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 3, 2024.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.