SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2858
BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Cole, Smith, R. King, Wolfe, Leonard, Jones, Vekich, Prentice, Walker and Van Luven)
Authorizing business entertainment practices for liquor importers, wholesalers, or manufacturers.
House Committe on Commerce & Labor
Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 19, 1990
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; McMullen, Matson, Murray, Smitherman, Williams.
Senate Staff:Patrick Woods (786-7430)
February 20, 1990
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, FEBRUARY 19, 1990
BACKGROUND:
Under the "tied-house" law, liquor manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers are prohibited from advancing moneys or moneys' worth to licensed retailers. The Liquor Control Board has interpreted this provision (based on an Attorney General Opinion) to be an unqualified prohibition on gifts, such as food and sports tickets.
In 1989, HB 1289 was introduced which would have allowed liquor manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers to provide to licensed retailers and their employees: 1) food and beverages for consumption at a meeting at which the primary purpose is the discussion of business; 2) tickets or admission fees for athletic events or other forms of entertainment in the state, and food and beverages for consumption at such events, if the manufacturer, importer, or wholesaler accompanies the retailer to the event; and 3) transportation to and from allowed activities in the private vehicle of the manufacturer, importer, or wholesaler. The bill passed both houses of the Legislature but was vetoed by the Governor.
SUMMARY:
Liquor manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers may provide to licensed retailers: 1) food and beverage for consumption at a meeting at which the primary purpose is discussion of business; 2) tickets or admission fees for athletic events or other forms of entertainment and food and beverages for consumption at such events, as long as the manufacturer, importer, wholesaler, or its employees accompany the retailer to the event; and 3) local ground transportation, to and from allowed activities. These provisions expire on June 30, 1995.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested January 28, 1990
Senate Committee - Testified: Victoria Chiechi, Washington Wine Institute (pro); Becky Bogard, Seattle Seahawks (pro); Steve Sehrls, Miller Brewing Co. (pro); Phil Waite, WA Beer and Wine Wholesalers Assn. (pro)