READ FIRST TIME 02/28/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to strong beer; amending RCW 66.24.244, 66.24.250, 66.24.261, 66.24.270, 66.24.290, 66.24.320, 66.24.330, 66.24.360, 66.24.371, 66.24.452, and 82.08.150; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 66.24.244 and 1998 c 126 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There shall be a license for microbreweries; fee to be one hundred dollars for production of less than sixty thousand barrels of malt liquor, including strong beer, per year.
     (2) Any microbrewery license under this section may also act as a distributor and/or retailer for beer and strong beer of its own production. Strong beer may not be sold at a farmers market or under any endorsement which may authorize microbreweries to sell beer at farmers markets. Any microbrewery operating as a distributor and/or retailer under this subsection shall comply with the applicable laws and rules relating to distributors and/or retailers.
     (3) The board may issue an endorsement to this license allowing for on-premises consumption of beer, including strong beer, wine, or both of other manufacture if purchased from a Washington state-licensed distributor. Each endorsement shall cost two hundred dollars per year, or four hundred dollars per year allowing the sale and service of both beer and wine.
     (4) The microbrewer obtaining such endorsement must determine, at the time the endorsement is issued, whether the licensed premises will be operated either as a tavern with persons under twenty-one years of age not allowed as provided for in RCW 66.24.330, or as a beer and/or wine restaurant as described in RCW 66.24.320.

Sec. 2   RCW 66.24.250 and 1997 c 321 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall be a license for beer distributors to sell beer and strong beer, purchased from licensed Washington breweries, beer certificate of approval holders (B5), licensed beer importers, or suppliers of foreign beer located outside the state of Washington, to licensed beer retailers and other beer distributors and to export same from the state of Washington; fee six hundred sixty dollars per year for each distributing unit.

Sec. 3   RCW 66.24.261 and 1997 c 321 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall be a license for beer importers that authorizes the licensee to import beer and strong beer manufactured within the United States by certificate of approval holders (B5) into the state of Washington. The licensee may also import beer and strong beer manufactured outside the United States.
     (1) Beer and strong beer so imported may be sold to licensed beer distributors or exported from the state.
     (2) Every person, firm, or corporation licensed as a beer importer shall establish and maintain a principal office within the state at which shall be kept proper records of all beer and strong beer imported into the state under this license.
     (3) No beer importer's license shall be granted to a nonresident of the state nor to a corporation whose principal place of business is outside the state until such applicant has established a principal office and agent within the state upon which service can be made.
     (4) As a requirement for license approval, a beer importer shall enter into a written agreement with the board to furnish on or before the twentieth day of each month, a report under oath, detailing the quantity of beer and strong beer sold or delivered to each licensed beer distributor. Failure to file such reports may result in the suspension or cancellation of this license.
     (5) Beer and strong beer imported under this license must conform to the provisions of RCW 66.28.120 and have received label approval from the board. The board shall not certify beer or strong beer labeled with names which may be confused with other nonalcoholic beverages whether manufactured or produced from a domestic brewery or imported nor shall it certify beer or strong beer which fails to meet quality standards established by the board.
     (6) The license fee shall be one hundred sixty dollars per year.

Sec. 4   RCW 66.24.270 and 1997 c 321 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Every person, firm or corporation, holding a license to manufacture malt liquors or strong beer within the state of Washington, shall, on or before the twentieth day of each month, furnish to the Washington state liquor control board, on a form to be prescribed by the board, a statement showing the quantity of malt liquors and strong beer sold for resale during the preceding calendar month to each beer distributor within the state of Washington.
     (2) A United States brewery or manufacturer of beer or strong beer, located outside the state of Washington, must hold a certificate of approval (B5) to allow sales and shipment of the certificate of approval holder's beer or strong beer to licensed Washington beer distributors or importers. The certificate of approval shall not be granted unless and until such brewer or manufacturer of beer or strong beer shall have made a written agreement with the board to furnish to the board, on or before the twentieth day of each month, a report under oath, on a form to be prescribed by the board, showing the quantity of beer and strong beer sold or delivered to each licensed beer distributor or importer during the preceding month, and shall further have agreed with the board, that such brewer or manufacturer of beer or strong beer and all general sales corporations or agencies maintained by them, and all of their trade representatives, corporations, and agencies, shall and will faithfully comply with all laws of the state of Washington pertaining to the sale of intoxicating liquors and all rules and regulations of the Washington state liquor control board. A violation of the terms of this agreement will cause the board to take action to suspend or revoke such certificate.
     (3) The fee for the certificate of approval, issued pursuant to the provisions of this title, shall be one hundred dollars per year, which sum shall accompany the application for such certificate.

Sec. 5   RCW 66.24.290 and 1999 c 281 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Any microbrewer or domestic brewery or beer distributor licensed under this title may sell and deliver beer and strong beer to holders of authorized licenses direct, but to no other person, other than the board; and every such brewery or beer distributor shall report all sales to the board monthly, pursuant to the regulations, and shall pay to the board as an added tax for the privilege of manufacturing and selling the beer and strong beer within the state a tax of one dollar and thirty cents per barrel of thirty-one gallons on sales to licensees within the state and on sales to licensees within the state of bottled and canned beer, including strong beer, shall pay a tax computed in gallons at the rate of one dollar and thirty cents per barrel of thirty-one gallons. Any brewery or beer distributor whose applicable tax payment is not postmarked by the twentieth day following the month of sale will be assessed a penalty at the rate of two percent per month or fraction thereof. Beer and strong beer shall be sold by breweries and distributors in sealed barrels or packages. The moneys collected under this subsection shall be distributed as follows: (a) Three-tenths of a percent shall be distributed to border areas under RCW 66.08.195; and (b) of the remaining moneys: (i) Twenty percent shall be distributed to counties in the same manner as under RCW 66.08.200; and (ii) eighty percent shall be distributed to incorporated cities and towns in the same manner as under RCW 66.08.210.
     (2) An additional tax is imposed on all beer and strong beer subject to tax under subsection (1) of this section. The additional tax is equal to two dollars per barrel of thirty-one gallons. All revenues collected during any month from this additional tax shall be deposited in the violence reduction and drug enforcement account under RCW 69.50.520 by the twenty-fifth day of the following month.
     (3)(a) An additional tax is imposed on all beer and strong beer subject to tax under subsection (1) of this section. The additional tax is equal to ninety-six cents per barrel of thirty-one gallons through June 30, 1995, two dollars and thirty-nine cents per barrel of thirty-one gallons for the period July 1, 1995, through June 30, 1997, and four dollars and seventy-eight cents per barrel of thirty-one gallons thereafter.
     (b) The additional tax imposed under this subsection does not apply to the sale of the first sixty thousand barrels of beer each year by breweries that are entitled to a reduced rate of tax under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 5051, as existing on July 1, 1993, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the board by rule consistent with the purposes of this exemption.
     (c) All revenues collected from the additional tax imposed under this subsection (3) shall be deposited in the health services account under RCW 43.72.900.
     (4) An additional tax is imposed on all beer and strong beer that is subject to tax under subsection (1) of this section that is in the first sixty thousand barrels of beer and strong beer by breweries that are entitled to a reduced rate of tax under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 5051, as existing on July 1, 1993, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the board by rule consistent with the purposes of the exemption under subsection (3)(b) of this section. The additional tax is equal to one dollar and forty-eight and two-tenths cents per barrel of thirty-one gallons. By the twenty-fifth day of the following month, three percent of the revenues collected from this additional tax shall be distributed to border areas under RCW 66.08.195 and the remaining moneys shall be transferred to the state general fund.
     (5) The board may make refunds for all taxes paid on beer and strong beer exported from the state for use outside the state.
     (6) The board may require filing with the board of a bond to be approved by it, in such amount as the board may fix, securing the payment of the tax. If any licensee fails to pay the tax when due, the board may forthwith suspend or cancel his or her license until all taxes are paid.
     (((7) The tax imposed under this section shall not apply to "strong beer" as defined in this title.))

Sec. 6   RCW 66.24.320 and 1998 c 126 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall be a beer and/or wine restaurant license to sell beer, including strong beer, or wine, or both, at retail, for consumption on the premises. A patron of the licensee may remove from the premises, recorked or recapped in its original container, any portion of wine that was purchased for consumption with a meal.
     (1) The annual fee shall be two hundred dollars for the beer license, two hundred dollars for the wine license, or four hundred dollars for a combination beer and wine license.
     (2) The board may issue a caterer's endorsement to this license to allow the licensee to remove from the liquor stocks at the licensed premises, only those types of liquor that are authorized under the on-premises license privileges for sale and service at special occasion locations at a specified date and place not currently licensed by the board. The privilege of selling and serving liquor under the endorsement is limited to members and guests of a society or organization as defined in RCW 66.24.375. Cost of the endorsement is three hundred fifty dollars.
     (a) The holder of this license with catering endorsement shall, if requested by the board, notify the board or its designee of the date, time, place, and location of any catered event. Upon request, the licensee shall provide to the board all necessary or requested information concerning the society or organization that will be holding the function at which the endorsed license will be utilized.
     (b) If attendance at the function will be limited to members and invited guests of the sponsoring society or organization, the requirement that the society or organization be within the definition of RCW 66.24.375 is waived.

Sec. 7   RCW 66.24.330 and 1997 c 321 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall be a beer and wine retailer's license to be designated as a tavern license to sell beer, including strong beer, or wine, or both, at retail, for consumption on the premises. Such licenses may be issued only to a person operating a tavern that may be frequented only by persons twenty-one years of age and older.
     The annual fee for such license shall be two hundred dollars for the beer license, two hundred dollars for the wine license, or four hundred dollars for a combination beer and wine license. Licensees who have a fee increase of more than one hundred dollars as a result of this change shall have their fees increased fifty percent of the amount the first renewal year and the remaining amount beginning with the second renewal period. New licensees obtaining a license after July 1, 1998, shall pay the full amount of four hundred dollars.

Sec. 8   RCW 66.24.360 and 1997 c 321 s 22 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall be a beer and/or wine retailer's license to be designated as a grocery store license to sell beer, strong beer, and/or wine at retail in bottles, cans, and original containers, not to be consumed upon the premises where sold, at any store other than the state liquor stores.
     (1) Licensees obtaining a written endorsement from the board may also sell malt liquor in kegs or other containers capable of holding less than five and one-half gallons of liquid.
     (2) The annual fee for the grocery store license is one hundred fifty dollars for each store.
     (3) The board shall issue a restricted grocery store license authorizing the licensee to sell beer and only table wine, if the board finds upon issuance or renewal of the license that the sale of strong beer or fortified wine would be against the public interest. In determining the public interest, the board shall consider at least the following factors:
     (a) The likelihood that the applicant will sell strong beer or fortified wine to persons who are intoxicated;
     (b) Law enforcement problems in the vicinity of the applicant's establishment that may arise from persons purchasing strong beer or fortified wine at the establishment; and
     (c) Whether the sale of strong beer or fortified wine would be detrimental to or inconsistent with a government-operated or funded alcohol treatment or detoxification program in the area.
     If the board receives no evidence or objection that the sale of strong beer or fortified wine would be against the public interest, it shall issue or renew the license without restriction, as applicable. The burden of establishing that the sale of strong beer or fortified wine by the licensee would be against the public interest is on those persons objecting.
     (4) Licensees holding a grocery store license must maintain a minimum three thousand dollar inventory of food products for human consumption, not including pop, beer, strong beer, or wine.
     (5) Upon approval by the board, the grocery store licensee may also receive an endorsement to permit the international export of beer, strong beer, and wine.
     (a) Any beer, strong beer, or wine sold under this endorsement must have been purchased from a licensed beer or wine distributor licensed to do business within the state of Washington.
     (b) Any beer, strong beer, and wine sold under this endorsement must be intended for consumption outside the state of Washington and the United States and appropriate records must be maintained by the licensee.
     (c) A holder of this special endorsement to the grocery store license shall be considered not in violation of RCW 66.28.010.
     (d) Any beer, strong beer, or wine sold under this license must be sold at a price no less than the acquisition price paid by the holder of the license.
     (e) The annual cost of this endorsement is five hundred dollars and is in addition to the license fees paid by the licensee for a grocery store license.

Sec. 9   RCW 66.24.371 and 1997 c 321 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There shall be a beer and/or wine retailer's license to be designated as a beer and/or wine specialty shop license to sell beer, strong beer, and/or wine at retail in bottles, cans, and original containers, not to be consumed upon the premises where sold, at any store other than the state liquor stores. Licensees obtaining a written endorsement from the board may also sell malt liquor in kegs or other containers capable of holding less than five and one-half gallons of liquid. The annual fee for the beer and/or wine specialty shop license is one hundred dollars for each store.
     (2) Licensees under this section may provide, free or for a charge, single-serving samples of two ounces or less to customers for the purpose of sales promotion. Sampling activities of licensees under this section are subject to RCW 66.28.010 and 66.28.040 and the cost of sampling under this section may not be borne, directly or indirectly, by any manufacturer, importer, or distributor of liquor.
     (3) The board shall issue a restricted beer and/or wine specialty shop license, authorizing the licensee to sell beer and only table wine, if the board finds upon issuance or renewal of the license that the sale of strong beer or fortified wine would be against the public interest. In determining the public interest, the board shall consider at least the following factors:
     (a) The likelihood that the applicant will sell strong beer or fortified wine to persons who are intoxicated;
     (b) Law enforcement problems in the vicinity of the applicant's establishment that may arise from persons purchasing strong beer or fortified wine at the establishment; and
     (c) Whether the sale of strong beer or fortified wine would be detrimental to or inconsistent with a government-operated or funded alcohol treatment or detoxification program in the area.
     If the board receives no evidence or objection that the sale of strong beer or fortified wine would be against the public interest, it shall issue or renew the license without restriction, as applicable. The burden of establishing that the sale of strong beer or fortified wine by the licensee would be against the public interest is on those persons objecting.
     (4) Licensees holding a beer and/or wine specialty shop license must maintain a minimum three thousand dollar wholesale inventory of beer, strong beer, and/or wine.

Sec. 10   RCW 66.24.452 and 2001 c 199 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There shall be a beer and wine license to be issued to a private club for sale of beer, strong beer, and wine for on-premises consumption.
     (2) Beer, strong beer, and wine sold by the licensee may be on tap or by open bottles or cans.
     (3) The fee for the private club beer and wine license is one hundred eighty dollars per year.
     (4) The board may issue an endorsement to the private club beer and wine license that allows the holder of a private club beer and wine license to sell for off-premises consumption wine vinted and bottled in the state of Washington and carrying a label exclusive to the license holder selling the wine. Spirits, strong beer, and beer may not be sold for off-premises consumption under this section. The annual fee for the endorsement under this ((chapter [section])) section is one hundred twenty dollars.

Sec. 11   RCW 82.08.150 and 1998 c 126 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There is levied and shall be collected a tax upon each retail sale of spirits((, or strong beer)) in the original package at the rate of fifteen percent of the selling price. The tax imposed in this subsection shall apply to all such sales including sales by the Washington state liquor stores and agencies, but excluding sales to spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees.
     (2) There is levied and shall be collected a tax upon each sale of spirits((, or strong beer)) in the original package at the rate of ten percent of the selling price on sales by Washington state liquor stores and agencies to spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees.
     (3) There is levied and shall be collected an additional tax upon each retail sale of spirits in the original package at the rate of one dollar and seventy-two cents per liter. The additional tax imposed in this subsection shall apply to all such sales including sales by Washington state liquor stores and agencies, and including sales to spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees.
     (4) An additional tax is imposed equal to fourteen percent multiplied by the taxes payable under subsections (1), (2), and (3) of this section.
     (5) An additional tax is imposed upon each retail sale of spirits in the original package at the rate of seven cents per liter. The additional tax imposed in this subsection shall apply to all such sales including sales by Washington state liquor stores and agencies, and including sales to spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees. All revenues collected during any month from this additional tax shall be deposited in the violence reduction and drug enforcement account under RCW 69.50.520 by the twenty-fifth day of the following month.
     (6)(a) An additional tax is imposed upon retail sale of spirits in the original package at the rate of one and seven-tenths percent of the selling price through June 30, 1995, two and six-tenths percent of the selling price for the period July 1, 1995, through June 30, 1997, and three and four-tenths of the selling price thereafter. This additional tax applies to all such sales including sales by Washington state liquor stores and agencies, but excluding sales to spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees.
     (b) An additional tax is imposed upon retail sale of spirits in the original package at the rate of one and one-tenth percent of the selling price through June 30, 1995, one and seven-tenths percent of the selling price for the period July 1, 1995, through June 30, 1997, and two and three-tenths of the selling price thereafter. This additional tax applies to all such sales to spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees.
     (c) An additional tax is imposed upon each retail sale of spirits in the original package at the rate of twenty cents per liter through June 30, 1995, thirty cents per liter for the period July 1, 1995, through June 30, 1997, and forty-one cents per liter thereafter. This additional tax applies to all such sales including sales by Washington state liquor stores and agencies, and including sales to spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees.
     (d) All revenues collected during any month from additional taxes under this subsection shall be deposited in the health services account created under RCW 43.72.900 by the twenty-fifth day of the following month.
     (7) The tax imposed in RCW 82.08.020 shall not apply to sales of spirits ((or strong beer)) in the original package.
     (8) The taxes imposed in this section shall be paid by the buyer to the seller, and each seller shall collect from the buyer the full amount of the tax payable in respect to each taxable sale under this section. The taxes required by this section to be collected by the seller shall be stated separately from the selling price and for purposes of determining the tax due from the buyer to the seller, it shall be conclusively presumed that the selling price quoted in any price list does not include the taxes imposed by this section.
     (9) As used in this section, the terms, "spirits((," "strong beer,))" and "package" shall have the meaning ascribed to them in chapter 66.04 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12   Sections 8 and 9 of this act apply to retailers who hold a restricted grocery store license or restricted beer and/or wine specialty shop license on or after the effective date of this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 13   The liquor control board shall report to the legislature by December 1, 2004, on the impacts of strong beer sales.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 14   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2003.