SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6582

BYSenator Lee

Providing that clubs that discriminate are not entitled to class H licenses.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1990; February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6582 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Smitherman, Williams.

Senate Staff:Forrest Bathurst (786-7429)

                February 5, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, FEBRUARY 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Citizens are voicing concern over discriminatory practices by clubs.  There are complaints that the timing of events or playing times are unequal, and eligibility requirements for membership are not consistent for all people.

SUMMARY:

Club is defined as an organization of persons, incorporated or non-incorporated, operated solely for fraternal, benevolent, educational, athletic, or social purposes, and not for pecuniary gain.

Clubs will not be eligible for class H liquor licenses if a person asserts discrimination and the Liquor Control Board agrees that it exists.  The club shall not be entitled to another license until the board finds that discriminatory practices are no longer being encountered, and the board is reassured they will not continue.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE: 

Clubs admitting women and men shall not be entitled to a class H liquor license if they discriminate on the basis of gender.

A revocation of a club's class H license shall be issued consistent with RCW 66.08.150.

Any club having a complaint filed against it can enter an agreement with the Liquor Control Board to end discriminatory practices.  The board is authorized to suspend or dismiss the revocation prior to a hearing if no further evidence of discriminatory practices exist.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested January 24, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified:   FOR:  Paul Zech; JoAnn Town; Pam Barrett; Pat Thibaudeau, WA Women United; Jerry Sheehan, ACLU; CON: Lynn Melby, Washington State Federation of Clubs