(1) The purpose of this rule is to ensure efficient and consistent administration of the liquor control board through the delegation of certain administrative functions to an administrative director. The delegation of administrative functions by the board, as provided for in this section, does not alter the board's statutory responsibility to administer Title 66 RCW.

(2) The administrative director will be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the board, and will perform his/her duties under the general control, management, and supervision of the board.

(3) The following duties are delegated by the board to the administrative director:

(a) Appointing authority as defined by WAC 356-05-040, 356-30-007, and 356-34-011 for all liquor control board employees, with the exception of the director and staff of the policy, legislative, and media relations division as described in subsection (4)(e) and staff that report directly to the board members;

(b) Authorize expenditures of funds from the board approved internal budget;

(c) Purchase, lease, contract, or otherwise acquire any goods, services, and products within the board approved internal budget;

(d) Approve uncontested licenses and permits (this authority may be further delegated);

(e) Assign duties, coordinate agency operations, and establish performance standards and timelines;

(f) Approve disbursements of excess funds from the liquor revolving fund; and

(g) Perform other duties of a routine administrative nature identified by the board.

(4) The following duties will not be delegated and will remain functions of the board:

(a) Final approval of agency-wide and division budgets as prepared by the administrative director;

(b) Revocation or suspension of a license or permit;

(c) Appeals of administrative actions taken against liquor and tobacco licensees;

(d) Approval of contested liquor license and permit applications; and

(e) Direct oversight of the policy, legislative, and media relations division and staff that report directly to the board members, including:

(i) Rule making actions,

(ii) Approval of agency-request legislative proposals, and

(iii) The employment, termination, and discipline of the director and staff of the policy, legislative, and media relations division and staff that report directly to the board members.