Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 1855

Brief Description:  Allowing private clubs to serve liquor at special events.

Sponsors:  Representatives Hunt, Conway, Clements, Ericksen, Pennington and Kenney.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Licensed private clubs may purchase an endorsement to allow member-sponsored events at which club liquor may be served to guests.

Hearing Date:  2/23/01

Staff:  Sydney Forrester (786‑7120).

Background: 

The Liquor Control Board may issue a restaurant spirits, beer, and wine license to a business that qualifies as a restaurant but does not serve the general public.  Examples include private country clubs and social clubs where admission is restricted by membership.  Clubs may purchase alcohol from the board and sell liquor by-the-drink to club members and guests, but may not serve the general public.

Summary of Bill: 

Restricted private clubs holding a restaurant spirits, beer, and wine license may purchase an endorsement allowing for up to 40 member-sponsored events each year at which alcohol may be served to guests.  The general public may not be served, and guests may attend by invitation of sponsoring members only.  The annual cost of the endorsement is $900.

Rules Authority:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.