HB 2131-S2.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/16/04)

Finds that the liquor control board has developed a retail services business plan to provide greater efficiency of operations and to maximize revenues to the state.

Declares an intent to examine whether expanding liquor store operations to include Sundays would provide additional revenue and provide increased customer convenience.

Directs the board to devise a retail business plan, or amend an existing retail business plan, to implement strategies to improve the efficiency of retail sales operations and maximize revenue-generating opportunities. Strategies to be implemented shall include, but are not limited to: (1) Expanding store operations to include Sunday sales in selected liquor stores until July 1, 2007. Sunday sales are optional for liquor vendors operating agency stores until July 1, 2007;

(2) Implementing a plan of in-store liquor merchandising, including point-of-sale advertising, and product specific point-of-sale promotional displays and carousels, including displays designed and provided by vendors; and

(3) Implementing a plan for in-store liquor merchandising of brands. The plan may not include provisions for selling liquor-related items other than those items previously authorized.

Provides that, by September 1, 2004, the board shall implement a pilot program to expand operations in at least twenty state-operated retail stores to include Sundays.

Requires the board to track gross sales and expenses of the selected stores and compare them to previous years' sales and projected sales and expenses before opening on Sunday. The board shall also examine the sales of state and contract liquor stores in proximity to those stores opened on Sundays to determine whether Sunday openings has reduced the sales of other state and contract liquor stores that are not open on Sundays. The board shall present this information to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by December 1, 2006.

Provides that, before the board determines which state liquor stores will be open on Sundays, it shall give: (1) Due consideration to the location of the liquor store with respect to the proximity of places of worship, schools, and public institutions; and

(2) Written notice by certified mail of the proposed Sunday opening, including proposed Sunday opening hours, to places of worship, schools, and public institutions within five hundred feet of the liquor store proposed to be open on Sunday.

Provides that employees in state liquor stores, including agency vendor liquor stores, may not be required to work on their Sabbath if doing so would violate their religious beliefs.

Repeals RCW 66.16.080.