FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5604

C 295 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing the liquor control board to authorize controlled purchase programs.

Sponsors:  Senators Spanel and Gardner.

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  Some private stores that sell alcohol want to be able to conduct private controlled purchase programs.  A private controlled purchase program occurs when a private store has someone underage purchase liquor at the store.  In this manner, the store has the ability to see if clerks check for identification.  There are concerns that these programs cannot be legally pursued because minors are not permitted to purchase liquor in this state.

Summary:  Minors are not in violation of liquor laws if the minor is between 18 and 21 years and participates in an in-house controlled purchase program.  In-house controlled purchase programs must be authorized by the Liquor Control Board.  Violations found during a private in-house controlled purchase program may not be used for criminal or administrative prosecutions.

An employer must provide employees written notice describing an in-house controlled purchase program.  Notice must include the consequences of an employee=s failure to comply with the company policy on the sale of alcohol during an in-house controlled purchase program.  An employer may not terminate an employee solely for a first-time failure to comply with company policy during an in-house controlled purchase.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate490

House     96 0 (House amended)

Senate    47 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001