SSB 5487 -
By Senator Sheldon
Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:
"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 The state of Washington currently contracts
out part of its retail sales by allowing contract liquor stores to sell
liquor. The legislature intends that further contracting out of the
state's retail liquor sales will result in a system that is more
efficient than public sector retailing. Therefore, the legislature
intends to close a portion of the state's retail liquor stores, to
contract out their operation to private individuals, and to monitor the
impact of the store closures.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2 (1) "Contract liquor store" means a
privately owned business having an agreement with the board beginning
after July 1, 2005, to sell spirits and wine in original packaging for
off-premises consumption.
(2) "Contract liquor store manager" means an individual person
appointed by the board who enters into an agreement to sell spirits and
wine in original packaging for off-premises consumption on behalf of
the board in a contract liquor store.
(3) "Contract liquor store agreement" means a written contract
between the board and a contract liquor store manager that specifies
the terms, conditions, and obligations between both parties.
(4) "State retail liquor store" or "state liquor store" means a
state liquor store as used in chapter 66.16 RCW and does not include
contract liquor stores.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3 (1) A task force on the contracting out of
liquor is created to advise the board as it implements further
contracting out of liquor stores. The task force membership shall
consist of:
(a) One member from each caucus of the senate, appointed by the
president of the senate;
(b) One member from each caucus of the house of representatives,
appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(c) One representative of city governments, appointed jointly by
the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of
representatives;
(d) One representative of county governments, appointed jointly by
the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of
representatives;
(e) A representative of the liquor control board. The board shall
cooperate with the task force and provide technical expertise and
staffing as the task force may reasonably require;
(f) A representative of the governor's council on substance abuse.
(2) The task force shall choose its cochairs from among its
membership.
(3) Each nonlegislative member of the task force is eligible to be
reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and
43.03.060. All expenses of the task force, including travel, shall be
paid jointly by the senate and the house of representatives.
(4) The task force shall:
(a) Assist the board in determining which state liquor stores to
close;
(b) Assist the board in determining criteria for awarding contract
liquor store agreements.
(5) This section expires July 1, 2008.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4 Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
the board is directed to implement the closure of twenty-five state
liquor stores between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2007. When
determining which liquor stores to close, the board must give due
consideration to recommendations from the task force. A state liquor
store may not be closed unless one contract liquor store exists in the
area served by the liquor store, or unless the board determines that
reasonable alternative access is available to persons who previously
purchased products from the state liquor store that is closing.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5 Nothing in this act shall be construed to
require the closing of any contract liquor stores having contracts with
the board before January 1, 2005, to sell spirits and wine for off-premises consumption, or to require these contract liquor store
managers to pay a fee to continue to operate their stores.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6 (1) The board may locate one contract liquor
store within the area served by a closing state retail liquor store.
The total inventory granted to a contract liquor store when it opens
must not exceed the total volume that would have been granted to the
closing state liquor store if it was still in operation at that time.
The board may increase or decrease the amount of the combined inventory
at contract liquor stores if demand for products changes, provided that
the guidelines for the change of inventory are the same as those for
inventory changes at state retail liquor stores.
(2) The board shall determine the procedural guidelines of the
contract liquor stores including, but not limited to, guidelines
regarding inventory, performance standards, operations, and required
reporting to the board.
(3) The board reserves the right to add, relocate, or close
contract liquor stores. When adding, relocating, or closing contract
liquor stores, the board must use the same decision process and
criteria that it uses to add, close, or relocate state retail liquor
stores and contract liquor stores. Neither the state of Washington nor
the board is liable for any changes in the volume of alcohol sales that
may occur following the addition, relocation, or closure of contract
liquor stores.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 7 (1) The board must advertise the opportunity
for a contract liquor store agreement in the daily newspaper in the
county where the contract liquor store is to be located. The
advertisement must include:
(a) The starting date of a contract liquor store agreement.
(b) General selection criteria and procedures for selecting and
appointing a contract liquor store manager.
(c) Information on the costs involved in purchasing a contract
liquor store agreement.
(d) Deadline for receiving applications.
(e) Directions for obtaining additional information.
(2) After the application deadline, a screening committee of board
staff shall evaluate all applications according to the selection
criteria specified in section 8 of this act and recommend applicants
for an interview. A separate interview committee of board staff will
then conduct personal interviews with the remaining applicants. The
interview committee shall recommend finalists who are most qualified
based on the selection criteria specified in section 8 of this act to
the three liquor control board members.
(3) If an appointed contract liquor store manager cannot begin
operation of the contract liquor store by the required date, the three
liquor control board members may select another applicant from the list
of finalists recommended by the interview committee.
(4) The board must take into account input from local
jurisdictions, schools, and churches pursuant to RCW 66.24.010 when
determining locations for contract liquor stores.
(5) This section does not apply if a contract liquor store manager
dies or becomes indefinitely disabled and is succeeded by a family
member or assignee as provided in section 10 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 8 (1) The board may adopt rules regarding the
criteria for awarding contract liquor store agreements, and must give
due consideration to the recommendations of the task force regarding
these criteria.
(2) When the board selects a contract liquor store manager, the
board must evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of all
applicants in the following areas:
(a) Specific experience selling spirits and wine in state retail
liquor stores in Washington, and being familiar with Washington state's
inventory system, liquor control rules and laws, and state retail
liquor store procedures;
(b) Retail business experience including, but not limited to,
responsibility for inventory control, cash accountability, supervision
of personnel, and customer service;
(c) Knowledge of retail operations or business management,
including study or training in those or related fields;
(d) Customer service skills and ability to communicate and work
effectively with the public;
(e) Whether the applicant's health permits full-time supervision of
a contract liquor store;
(f) The applicant's record of felony conviction, conviction of a
crime relating to money management fraud, or a history of conviction of
crimes relating to the abuse of alcohol or controlled substances;
(g) The applicant's financial ability to purchase or lease and
equip the contract liquor store at the board-approved location, and to
pay the required contract liquor store agreement fee;
(h) Possession of a certificate of liability insurance from his or
her insurance carrier.
(3) A contract liquor store manager must be at least twenty-one
years old.
(4) A contract liquor store manager must not have any financial
interest in a business licensed as a distillery whose products are sold
in Washington. For the purposes of this section, "financial interest"
means knowingly having an ownership interest, as a sole proprietor,
partner, limited partner, or stockholder in any direct or indirect
interest through a device such as a holding company.
(5) A contract liquor store manager must not knowingly provide
anything of value in return for something of value to any distillery
whose products are sold in Washington, provided that this does not
prohibit persons from providing services and commodities to each other
that they routinely provide to the general public under the same terms.
(6) No contract liquor store manager or member of the manager's
household or immediate family may be employed by any distillery whose
products are sold in Washington.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 9 (1) The fee for purchasing a contract liquor
store agreement when, immediately prior to the agreement's execution
date, a state retail liquor store was in operation in the area served
by the contract liquor store, is two percent of the average gross
annual sales for the last five years at the state retail liquor store
serving that area. This fee is to be paid to the board upon the
execution of a contract liquor store agreement.
(2) The fee for purchasing a contract liquor store when,
immediately prior to the agreement's execution date, a contract liquor
store was in operation in the area to be served by the contract liquor
store, is two percent of the average gross annual sales for the last
five years at the contract liquor store serving that area. If the
prior contract liquor store has not been in operation for five years,
the board shall determine a reasonable gross sales period on which to
base the two percent fee.
(3) Family members of a deceased or indefinitely disabled contract
liquor store manager who replace that manager are not required to pay
the fee specified in this section.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 10 (1) The board may adopt rules regarding the
termination of contract liquor store agreements.
(2) A contract liquor store manager may terminate a contract liquor
store agreement with at least ninety days' written notice to the board.
The notice must specify the reason for the termination, as well as a
fair purchase price for fixtures and equipment used in the contract
liquor store that are required for its continued operation.
(3) The board may terminate a contract liquor store agreement for
good cause. For the purposes of this section, good cause includes, but
is not limited to:
(a) The contract liquor store manager becomes insolvent, unable or
unwilling to pay contract liquor store debts, applies for or consents
to the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or makes a general
assignment for the benefit of creditors;
(b) The contract liquor store manager violates any applicable
federal, state, or local statute or any rule adopted by the board
pursuant to this chapter;
(c) The contract liquor store manager has repeated excessive
shortages as verified by audit;
(d) The contract liquor store manager gives unsatisfactory service
to the community as reflected by a pattern of confirmed and verified
complaints from the public;
(e) The contract liquor store manager or an employee of the manager
misappropriates or participates in misappropriation of money or other
property of the board or intentionally or negligently violates any
policy or procedure which causes a financial loss to the board;
(f) The contract liquor store manager becomes physically or
mentally impaired, rendering him or her unable to properly perform or
fulfill the contract liquor store manager's duties either permanently
or for an indefinite period;
(g) The contract liquor store manager uses or allows the use of the
contract liquor store premises for any activity illegal under federal,
state, or local laws.
(4) Upon the death or incapacity of the contract liquor store
manager, the board may appoint a surviving family member or assignee
who has been actively involved in the business to manage the contract
liquor store, provided the board determines the family member or
assignee is qualified according to section 8 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 11 (1) The board may adopt rules regarding the
shipping and inventory of liquor to contract liquor stores.
(2) The board shall ship to the contract liquor store on a prepaid
freight basis, liquor that is to be kept for sale by the contract
liquor store manager. The board shall maintain ownership over all
liquor until the time it is properly sold.
(3) The board shall determine by rule, and in accordance with RCW
66.16.080, the hours during which contract liquor stores are allowed to
sell liquor, and procedures for displaying liquor when liquor sales are
not allowed.
(4) The board shall determine the amounts, classes, varieties, and
brands of liquor listed for sale statewide. The board shall work with
the contract liquor store manager to ensure a choice of products to the
community being served. Where items are in short supply, the contract
liquor store manager shall have an equal opportunity to order and
receive these items.
(5) The board shall issue and distribute price lists showing the
price to be paid by purchasers for each item of liquor for sale at the
contract liquor store.
(6) The board shall assign licensees' accounts to a state retail
liquor store or contract liquor store. No solicitation of licensee
accounts is allowed. The board will normally assign restaurant
accounts to the nearest state retail liquor store or contract liquor
store. Any discounts currently received by licensees shall also be
honored at contract liquor stores.
(7) The board shall provide a bank account, in the local community
where possible, for daily deposit of funds derived from the sale of
liquor and banquet permits by the contract liquor store manager. Daily
deposit of funds by the contract liquor store manager is required
unless an exception has been agreed to in writing by the board and the
contract liquor store manager.
(8) The board shall pay the contract liquor store manager on or
about the tenth day of the month following the month of sale, after
receipt of sales reports and transaction summaries, an amount equal to
the compensation formula to be determined by the board by rule.
Compensation must include a base rate and a tiered commission based on
sales. The board may increase contract liquor store commissions to
attract or maintain contract liquor store managers. The compensation
formula must be reviewed before July 1 every two years, and the
compensation rates may be adjusted by the board. All proposed
compensation adjustments must be approved by the board and by the
director of the office of financial management, in accordance with RCW
66.08.026.
(9) Any operating shortages verified by formal audit shall be
deducted from any compensation due and owing to the contract liquor
store manager until the amount of the shortage is paid in full. The
board will allow shortages of one-half of one percent of the contract
liquor store manager's gross sales during the audit period to be paid
at cost. Shortages in excess of one-half of one percent shall be paid
at full retail price.
(10) The board is authorized to inspect the contract liquor store
and its books at any reasonable time for compliance with the
regulations of this chapter, and any rules adopted by the board
regarding this chapter.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 12 (1) Contract liquor store managers shall
sell the board's liquor to retail customers and all eligible liquor
licensees on the contract liquor store premises at prices set by the
board.
(2) Contract liquor store managers shall maintain the security of,
and prevent damage to, the liquor and any other property of the board.
(3) Contract liquor store managers shall account for all inventory,
sales, and receipts on forms or equipment and at time intervals as may
be required by the board.
(4) Contract liquor store managers shall display liquor
attractively and maintain the contract liquor store premises in a
manner that allows customers a clean, comfortable, and safe environment
to make purchases.
(5) Contract liquor store managers are responsible for receiving
freight shipments and maintaining an accurate count of merchandise
received.
(6) Contract liquor store managers shall maintain sufficient hours
of operation at convenient times to serve the public, as determined by
the board, and shall follow the board's guidelines for the display of
liquor when liquor is not allowed to be sold. No liquor sales, except
beer or wine under a beer and/or wine specialty shop license or beer
and/or wine grocery store license, shall be made by contract liquor
store managers on Sundays unless RCW 66.16.080 is modified or repealed
to allow such sales. Contract liquor stores may open or close on state
holidays at the discretion of the contract liquor store manager.
(7) Contract liquor store managers shall request the liquor items
offered by the contract liquor store for sale each week. The weekly
requisitions shall be based on what may be reasonably expected to meet
customer and licensee demand, subject to the restrictions on total
inventory specified in section 6 of this act.
(8) Contract liquor store managers shall adhere to the policy and
guidelines of the board concerning the operation of the contract liquor
store related to the control of the board's assets and comply with
legal requirements under local, state, and federal law.
(9) Contract liquor store managers shall comply with advertising
restrictions in accordance with RCW 66.08.060.
(10) Contract liquor store managers shall comply with the use of
the Washington state insignia or references to the board's restrictions
in accordance with rules adopted by the department.
(11) Contract liquor store managers may also hold or apply for a
license to sell beer under a beer and/or wine specialty shop license
under RCW 66.24.371 or a beer and/or wine grocery store license under
RCW 66.24.360. If licensed, the contract liquor store manager may sell
beer purchased from a duly licensed beer distributor, on the premises
of the contract liquor store.
(12) Contract liquor store managers shall not sell liquor other
than at the contract liquor store premises, unless licensed to do so.
(13) Contract liquor store managers shall not deliver any liquor to
a purchaser at a location other than the contract liquor store.
(14) Contract liquor store managers shall not withdraw or allow to
be withdrawn merchandise for any purpose other than sale at current
board prices. Damaged or defective merchandise may be destroyed in
accordance with procedures adopted by rule by the department.
(15) All expenses for employees hired by contract liquor store
managers are the responsibility of the contract liquor store manager.
Contract liquor store managers must provide training to employees
regarding the rules and regulations that apply to contract liquor
stores.
(16) Contract liquor store managers must secure board approval
prior to moving a store to a new location. The board must follow all
public notice requirements specified in RCW 66.24.010.
(17) Contract liquor store managers shall not sell or allow to be
sold, any liquor, owned by the board, except for cash or credit or
debit cards presented at the time of sale.
Personal or business checks may be accepted as cash, but the
contract liquor store manager is responsible for their value. The
board will accept responsibility for check value, when the board has
authorized acceptance of the check from a licensee account, as a result
of a letter of credit from the licensee's bank, or an agreement which
has been properly completed and is on file with the board.
(18) Contract liquor store managers must open the contract liquor
store and its books and records at any reasonable time to inspection
and audit by the board, the state auditor, the legislative evaluation
and accountability program, and the joint legislative audit and review
committee.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 13 (1) In addition to other provisions of law,
it is unlawful for any contract liquor store manager or employee to:
(a) Sell or offer for sale any liquor other than from the original
package or container;
(b) Sell, give away, or permit the sale, gift, or procurement of
any liquor for or to any person under twenty-one years of age;
(c) Sell, give away, or permit the sale, gift, or procurement of
any liquor for or to any person apparently intoxicated;
(d) Permit the consumption of any spirits, strong beer, or alcohol
on the premises by any person;
(e) Alter, change, or misrepresent the quality, quantity, or brand
name of any liquor with the intent to defraud;
(f) Permit any person under twenty-one years of age to sell or give
liquor to any other person, except to assist a cashier who is twenty-one years of age or older; or
(g) Purchase or otherwise obtain liquor in any manner or from any
source other than that specifically authorized in this title.
(2) Violations of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted
by the board, or any false statement concerning any material fact, or
omission of any material fact in submitting an application for a
contract liquor store agreement or in any hearing concerning the
suspension or revocation of a contract liquor store agreement, or the
commission of any of the acts declared in this chapter to be unlawful,
is subject to disciplinary action by the board, including suspension or
revocation of the contract liquor store agreement. No fees paid for
the contract liquor store agreement will be refunded. The board shall
develop rules to implement and enforce this subsection and may assess
an administrative penalty for violations.
(3) Nothing in this chapter or any rule of the board prevents or
prohibits any contract liquor store manager from employing any person
who is at least eighteen years of age to serve in any contract liquor
store, or from having a person assist a person twenty-one years of age
or older who handles, sells, or delivers spirits, strong beer, or
alcohol under this chapter.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 14 (1) The board shall assume liability for
loss of board-owned property when a burglary, robbery, fire, or loss
due to an act of nature occurs, as long as the contract liquor store
manager has implemented reasonable precautions as determined by rule by
the department. Loss prevention measures and precautions will be
reviewed, and revised annually if necessary, by agreement of the board
and the contract liquor store manager.
(2) The contract liquor store manager is responsible for providing
adequate insurance coverage at his or her own expense to protect
against his or her portion of the legal liability arising out of
activities as a contract liquor store manager.
(3) The contract liquor store manager shall provide a certificate
of liability insurance from the insurance carrier to the board.
(4) The contract liquor store manager is an independent contractor.
Neither the contract liquor store manager nor the contract liquor store
manager's employees are employees of the board, and are not entitled to
any of the rights, benefits, or privileges accorded to employees of the
state of Washington.
(5) Any claims or damages arising out of the contract liquor store
manager's operation of a nonliquor sales business or sales of goods
other than liquor are the contract liquor store manager's sole
responsibility. The contract liquor store manager indemnifies the
board for any damages and costs of suit, however denominated, arising
from those activities.
(6) The board assumes no liability with respect to any bodily
injury, the contract liquor store manager's portion of liquor
liability, illness, accident, theft, or any other damages or losses
concerning persons or property, except as provided in subsection (1) of
this section.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 15 The joint legislative audit and review
committee is directed to study the impacts of further contracting out
the state's retail sale of liquor, and to deliver a report on their
findings to the legislature by December 31, 2009. The legislature
directs that the impacts to be studied shall include, but shall not be
limited to: Underage access to alcohol in state retail liquor stores
and contract liquor stores; alcohol consumption rates; state revenue;
traffic accidents and fatalities related to alcohol use; and crimes
directly related to alcohol use.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 16 (1) For the purpose of carrying into effect
the provisions of this chapter according to their true intent or of
supplying any deficiency therein, the board may make regulations not
inconsistent with the spirit of this chapter as deemed necessary or
advisable. All regulations shall be a public record, filed in the
office of the code reviser, and have the same force and effect as if
incorporated in this chapter.
(2) Without limiting the generality of the provisions contained in
subsection (1) of this section, it is declared that the power of the
board to make regulations in the manner set out in subsection (1) of
this section shall extend to:
(a) Regulating the equipment and management of contract liquor
stores in which state liquor is sold or kept, prescribing the books and
records to be kept, and the reports to be made to the board;
(b) Prescribing the duties of contract liquor store managers and
their employees, and regulating their conduct in the discharge of their
duties;
(c) Governing the purchase of liquor by the state and the
furnishing of liquor to contract liquor stores established under this
chapter;
(d) Determining the classes, varieties, and brands of liquor to be
kept for sale at any contract liquor store;
(e) Prescribing, subject to RCW 66.16.080, the hours during which
the contract liquor stores shall be kept open for the sale of liquor,
and procedures for the display of liquor when the stores are open, but
not allowed to sell liquor;
(f) Providing for the issuing and distributing of price lists
showing the price to be paid by purchasers for each variety of liquor
kept for sale under this chapter;
(g) Prescribing an official seal and official labels and stamps and
determining the manner in which they shall be attached to every package
of liquor sold or sealed under this title, including the prescribing of
different official seals or different official labels for different
classes of liquor;
(h) Providing for the payment by the board in whole or in part of
the carrying charges on liquor shipped by freight or express;
(i) Prescribing forms to be used for purposes of this chapter or
the regulations, and the terms and conditions to be contained in
contract liquor store agreements issued under this title, and the
qualifications for receiving a contract liquor store agreement issued
under this chapter, including a criminal history record information
check. The board may submit the criminal history record information
check to the Washington state patrol and to the identification division
of the federal bureau of investigation in order that these agencies may
search their records for prior arrests and convictions of the
individual or individuals who filled out the forms. The board shall
require fingerprinting of any applicant whose criminal history record
information check is submitted to the federal bureau of investigation;
(j) Prescribing the fees payable in respect of contract liquor
store agreements issued under this chapter for which no fees are
prescribed in this chapter, and prescribing the fees for anything done
or permitted to be done under the regulations.
Sec. 17 RCW 66.08.026 and 2004 c 63 s 1 are each amended to read
as follows:
All administrative expenses of the board incurred on and after
April 1, 1963, shall be appropriated and paid from the liquor revolving
fund. These administrative expenses shall include, but not be limited
to: The salaries and expenses of the board and its employees, the cost
of establishing, leasing, maintaining, and operating state liquor
stores and warehouses, legal services, pilot projects, annual or other
audits, and other general costs of conducting the business of the
board, and the costs of supplying, installing, and maintaining
equipment used in state liquor stores and agency liquor vendor stores
for the purchase of liquor using debit or credit cards. The
administrative expenses shall not, however, be deemed to include costs
of liquor and lottery tickets purchased, the cost of transportation and
delivery to the point of distribution, other costs pertaining to the
acquisition and receipt of liquor and lottery tickets, packaging and
repackaging of liquor, ((agency)) commissions for ((agency)) contract
liquor ((vendor)) stores, transaction fees associated with credit or
debit card purchases for liquor in state liquor stores and in the
((stores of agency)) contract liquor ((vendors)) stores pursuant to RCW
66.16.040 and 66.16.041, sales tax, and those amounts distributed
pursuant to RCW 66.08.180, 66.08.190, 66.08.200, 66.08.210 and
66.08.220. ((Agency)) Commissions for ((agency)) contract liquor
((vendor)) stores shall be established by the liquor control board
after consultation with and approval by the director of the office of
financial management. All expenditures and payment of obligations
authorized by this section are subject to the allotment requirements of
chapter 43.88 RCW.
Sec. 18 RCW 66.08.150 and 2003 c 320 s 1 are each amended to read
as follows:
(1) The action, order, or decision of the board as to any denial of
an application for the reissuance of a permit or license or as to any
revocation, suspension, or modification of any permit ((or)), license,
or contract liquor store agreement shall be an adjudicative proceeding
and subject to the applicable provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW.
(((1))) (2) An opportunity for a hearing may be provided an
applicant for the reissuance of a permit or license prior to the
disposition of the application, and if no such opportunity for a prior
hearing is provided then an opportunity for a hearing to reconsider the
application must be provided the applicant.
(((2))) (3) An opportunity for a hearing must be provided a
permittee ((or)), licensee, or contract liquor store manager prior to
a revocation or modification of any permit ((or)), license, or contract
liquor store agreement and, except as provided in subsection (((4)))
(5) of this section, prior to the suspension of any permit ((or)),
license, or contract liquor store agreement.
(((3))) (4) No hearing shall be required until demanded by the
applicant, permittee, ((or)) licensee, or contract liquor store
manager.
(((4))) (5) The board may summarily suspend a license ((or)),
permit, or contract liquor store agreement for a period of up to one
hundred eighty days without a prior hearing if it finds that public
health, safety, or welfare imperatively require emergency action, and
incorporates a finding to that effect in its order; and proceedings for
revocation or other action must be promptly instituted and determined.
The board's enforcement division shall complete a preliminary staff
investigation of the violation before requesting an emergency
suspension by the board.
Sec. 19 RCW 66.08.220 and 1999 c 281 s 2 are each amended to read
as follows:
The board shall set aside in a separate account in the liquor
revolving fund an amount equal to ten percent of its gross sales of
liquor, including sales by contract liquor stores, to spirits, beer,
and wine restaurant; spirits, beer, and wine private club; and sports
entertainment facility licensees collected from these licensees
pursuant to the provisions of RCW 82.08.150, less the fifteen percent
discount provided for in RCW 66.24.440; and the moneys in said separate
account shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of RCW
66.08.190, 66.08.200 and 66.08.210: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no
election unit in which the sale of liquor under spirits, beer, and wine
restaurant; spirits, beer, and wine private club; and sports
entertainment facility licenses is unlawful shall be entitled to share
in the distribution of moneys from such separate account.
Sec. 20 RCW 66.24.440 and 1998 c 126 s 8 are each amended to read
as follows:
Each spirits, beer, and wine restaurant, spirits, beer, and wine
private club, and sports entertainment facility licensee shall be
entitled to purchase any spirituous liquor items salable under such
license from the board, including contract liquor stores, at a discount
of not less than fifteen percent from the retail price fixed by the
board, together with all taxes.
Sec. 21 RCW 66.08.050 and 1997 c 228 s 1 are each amended to read
as follows:
The board, subject to the provisions of this title and the rules,
shall:
(1) Determine the localities within which state liquor stores shall
be established throughout the state, and the number and situation of
the stores within each locality;
(2) Appoint in cities and towns and other communities, in which no
state liquor store is located, contract liquor ((vendors)) stores. In
addition, the board may appoint, in its discretion, a manufacturer that
also manufactures liquor products other than wine under a license under
this title, as a vendor for the purpose of sale of liquor products of
its own manufacture on the licensed premises only. Such liquor vendors
shall be agents of the board and be authorized to sell liquor to such
persons, firms or corporations as provided for the sale of liquor from
a state liquor store, and such vendors shall be subject to such
additional rules and regulations consistent with this title as the
board may require;
(3) Establish all necessary warehouses for the storing and
bottling, diluting and rectifying of stocks of liquors for the purposes
of this title;
(4) Provide for the leasing for periods not to exceed ten years of
all premises required for the conduct of the business; and for
remodeling the same, and the procuring of their furnishings, fixtures,
and supplies; and for obtaining options of renewal of such leases by
the lessee. The terms of such leases in all other respects shall be
subject to the direction of the board;
(5) Determine the nature, form and capacity of all packages to be
used for containing liquor kept for sale under this title;
(6) Execute or cause to be executed, all contracts, papers, and
documents in the name of the board, under such regulations as the board
may fix;
(7) Pay all customs, duties, excises, charges and obligations
whatsoever relating to the business of the board;
(8) Require bonds from all employees in the discretion of the
board, and to determine the amount of fidelity bond of each such
employee;
(9) Perform services for the state lottery commission to such
extent, and for such compensation, as may be mutually agreed upon
between the board and the commission;
(10) Accept and deposit into the general fund-local account and
disburse, subject to appropriation, federal grants or other funds or
donations from any source for the purpose of improving public awareness
of the health risks associated with alcohol consumption by youth and
the abuse of alcohol by adults in Washington state. The board's
alcohol awareness program shall cooperate with federal and state
agencies, interested organizations, and individuals to effect an active
public beverage alcohol awareness program;
(11) Perform all other matters and things, whether similar to the
foregoing or not, to carry out the provisions of this title, and shall
have full power to do each and every act necessary to the conduct of
its business, including all buying, selling, preparation and approval
of forms, and every other function of the business whatsoever, subject
only to audit by the state auditor: PROVIDED, That the board shall
have no authority to regulate the content of spoken language on
licensed premises where wine and other liquors are served and where
there is not a clear and present danger of disorderly conduct being
provoked by such language.
Sec. 22 RCW 66.08.235 and 2002 c 371 s 918 are each amended to
read as follows:
The liquor control board construction and maintenance account is
created within the state treasury. The liquor control board shall
deposit into this account a portion of the board's markup, as
authorized by chapter 66.16 RCW, placed upon liquor as determined by
the board. Moneys in the account may be spent only after
appropriation. The liquor control board shall use deposits to this
account to fund construction and maintenance of a centralized
distribution center for liquor products intended for sale through the
board's liquor store and ((vendor)) contract liquor store system.
During the 2001-2003 fiscal biennium, the legislature may transfer from
the liquor control board construction and maintenance account to the
state general fund such amounts as reflect the appropriations
reductions made by the 2002 supplemental appropriations act for
administrative efficiencies and savings.
Sec. 23 RCW 66.04.010 and 2004 c 160 s 1 are each amended to read
as follows:
In this title, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Alcohol" is that substance known as ethyl alcohol, hydrated
oxide of ethyl, or spirit of wine, which is commonly produced by the
fermentation or distillation of grain, starch, molasses, or sugar, or
other substances including all dilutions and mixtures of this
substance. The term "alcohol" does not include alcohol in the
possession of a manufacturer or distiller of alcohol fuel, as described
in RCW 66.12.130, which is intended to be denatured and used as a fuel
for use in motor vehicles, farm implements, and machines or implements
of husbandry.
(2) "Authorized representative" means a person who:
(a) Is required to have a federal basic permit issued pursuant to
the federal alcohol administration act, 27 U.S.C. Sec. 204;
(b) Has its business located in the United States outside of the
state of Washington;
(c) Acquires ownership of beer or wine for transportation into and
resale in the state of Washington; and which beer or wine is produced
anywhere outside Washington by a brewery or winery which does not hold
a certificate of approval issued by the board; and
(d) Is appointed by the brewery or winery referenced in (c) of this
subsection as its exclusive authorized representative for marketing and
selling its products within the United States in accordance with a
written agreement between the authorized representative and such
brewery or winery pursuant to this title. The board may waive the
requirement for the written agreement of exclusivity in situations
consistent with the normal marketing practices of certain products,
such as classified growths.
(3) "Beer" means any malt beverage or malt liquor as these terms
are defined in this chapter.
(4) "Beer distributor" means a person who buys beer from a domestic
brewery, microbrewery, beer certificate of approval holder, or beer
importers, or who acquires foreign produced beer from a source outside
of the United States, for the purpose of selling the same pursuant to
this title, or who represents such brewer or brewery as agent.
(5) "Beer importer" means a person or business within Washington
who purchases beer from a beer certificate of approval holder or who
acquires foreign produced beer from a source outside of the United
States for the purpose of selling the same pursuant to this title.
(6) "Brewer" or "brewery" means any person engaged in the business
of manufacturing beer and malt liquor. Brewer includes a brand owner
of malt beverages who holds a brewer's notice with the federal bureau
of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms at a location outside the state and
whose malt beverage is contract-produced by a licensed in-state
brewery, and who may exercise within the state, under a domestic
brewery license, only the privileges of storing, selling to licensed
beer distributors, and exporting beer from the state.
(7) "Board" means the liquor control board, constituted under this
title.
(8) "Club" means an organization of persons, incorporated or
unincorporated, operated solely for fraternal, benevolent, educational,
athletic or social purposes, and not for pecuniary gain.
(9) "Consume" includes the putting of liquor to any use, whether by
drinking or otherwise.
(10) "Dentist" means a practitioner of dentistry duly and regularly
licensed and engaged in the practice of his profession within the state
pursuant to chapter 18.32 RCW.
(11) "Distiller" means a person engaged in the business of
distilling spirits.
(12) "Domestic brewery" means a place where beer and malt liquor
are manufactured or produced by a brewer within the state.
(13) "Domestic winery" means a place where wines are manufactured
or produced within the state of Washington.
(14) "Druggist" means any person who holds a valid certificate and
is a registered pharmacist and is duly and regularly engaged in
carrying on the business of pharmaceutical chemistry pursuant to
chapter 18.64 RCW.
(15) "Drug store" means a place whose principal business is, the
sale of drugs, medicines and pharmaceutical preparations and maintains
a regular prescription department and employs a registered pharmacist
during all hours the drug store is open.
(16) "Employee" means any person employed by the board((, including
a vendor, as hereinafter in this section defined)).
(17) "Fund" means 'liquor revolving fund.'
(18) "Hotel" means every building or other structure kept, used,
maintained, advertised or held out to the public to be a place where
food is served and sleeping accommodations are offered for pay to
transient guests, in which twenty or more rooms are used for the
sleeping accommodation of such transient guests and having one or more
dining rooms where meals are served to such transient guests, such
sleeping accommodations and dining rooms being conducted in the same
building and buildings, in connection therewith, and such structure or
structures being provided, in the judgment of the board, with adequate
and sanitary kitchen and dining room equipment and capacity, for
preparing, cooking and serving suitable food for its guests: PROVIDED
FURTHER, That in cities and towns of less than five thousand
population, the board shall have authority to waive the provisions
requiring twenty or more rooms.
(19) "Importer" means a person who buys distilled spirits from a
distillery outside the state of Washington and imports such spirituous
liquor into the state for sale to the board or for export.
(20) "Imprisonment" means confinement in the county jail.
(21) "Liquor" includes the four varieties of liquor herein defined
(alcohol, spirits, wine and beer), and all fermented, spirituous,
vinous, or malt liquor, or combinations thereof, and mixed liquor, a
part of which is fermented, spirituous, vinous or malt liquor, or
otherwise intoxicating; and every liquid or solid or semisolid or other
substance, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine or beer,
and all drinks or drinkable liquids and all preparations or mixtures
capable of human consumption, and any liquid, semisolid, solid, or
other substance, which contains more than one percent of alcohol by
weight shall be conclusively deemed to be intoxicating. Liquor does
not include confections or food products that contain one percent or
less of alcohol by weight.
(22) "Manufacturer" means a person engaged in the preparation of
liquor for sale, in any form whatsoever.
(23) "Malt beverage" or "malt liquor" means any beverage such as
beer, ale, lager beer, stout, and porter obtained by the alcoholic
fermentation of an infusion or decoction of pure hops, or pure extract
of hops and pure barley malt or other wholesome grain or cereal in pure
water containing not more than eight percent of alcohol by weight, and
not less than one-half of one percent of alcohol by volume. For the
purposes of this title, any such beverage containing more than eight
percent of alcohol by weight shall be referred to as "strong beer."
(24) "Package" means any container or receptacle used for holding
liquor.
(25) "Permit" means a permit for the purchase of liquor under this
title.
(26) "Person" means an individual, copartnership, association, or
corporation.
(27) "Physician" means a medical practitioner duly and regularly
licensed and engaged in the practice of his profession within the state
pursuant to chapter 18.71 RCW.
(28) "Prescription" means a memorandum signed by a physician and
given by him to a patient for the obtaining of liquor pursuant to this
title for medicinal purposes.
(29) "Public place" includes streets and alleys of incorporated
cities and towns; state or county or township highways or roads;
buildings and grounds used for school purposes; public dance halls and
grounds adjacent thereto; those parts of establishments where beer may
be sold under this title, soft drink establishments, public buildings,
public meeting halls, lobbies, halls and dining rooms of hotels,
restaurants, theatres, stores, garages and filling stations which are
open to and are generally used by the public and to which the public is
permitted to have unrestricted access; railroad trains, stages, and
other public conveyances of all kinds and character, and the depots and
waiting rooms used in conjunction therewith which are open to
unrestricted use and access by the public; publicly owned bathing
beaches, parks, and/or playgrounds; and all other places of like or
similar nature to which the general public has unrestricted right of
access, and which are generally used by the public.
(30) "Regulations" means regulations made by the board under the
powers conferred by this title.
(31) "Restaurant" means any establishment provided with special
space and accommodations where, in consideration of payment, food,
without lodgings, is habitually furnished to the public, not including
drug stores and soda fountains.
(32) "Sale" and "sell" include exchange, barter, and traffic; and
also include the selling or supplying or distributing, by any means
whatsoever, of liquor, or of any liquid known or described as beer or
by any name whatever commonly used to describe malt or brewed liquor or
of wine, by any person to any person; and also include a sale or
selling within the state to a foreign consignee or his agent in the
state. "Sale" and "sell" shall not include the giving, at no charge,
of a reasonable amount of liquor by a person not licensed by the board
to a person not licensed by the board, for personal use only. "Sale"
and "sell" also does not include a raffle authorized under RCW
9.46.0315: PROVIDED, That the nonprofit organization conducting the
raffle has obtained the appropriate permit from the board.
(33) "Soda fountain" means a place especially equipped with
apparatus for the purpose of dispensing soft drinks, whether mixed or
otherwise.
(34) "Spirits" means any beverage which contains alcohol obtained
by distillation, including wines exceeding twenty-four percent of
alcohol by volume.
(35) "Store" means a state liquor store established under this
title.
(36) "Tavern" means any establishment with special space and
accommodation for sale by the glass and for consumption on the
premises, of beer, as herein defined.
(37) (("Vendor" means a person employed by the board as a store
manager under this title.)) "Winery" means a business conducted by any person for the
manufacture of wine for sale, other than a domestic winery.
(38)
(((39))) (38) "Wine" means any alcoholic beverage obtained by
fermentation of fruits (grapes, berries, apples, et cetera) or other
agricultural product containing sugar, to which any saccharine
substances may have been added before, during or after fermentation,
and containing not more than twenty-four percent of alcohol by volume,
including sweet wines fortified with wine spirits, such as port,
sherry, muscatel and angelica, not exceeding twenty-four percent of
alcohol by volume and not less than one-half of one percent of alcohol
by volume. For purposes of this title, any beverage containing no more
than fourteen percent of alcohol by volume when bottled or packaged by
the manufacturer shall be referred to as "table wine," and any beverage
containing alcohol in an amount more than fourteen percent by volume
when bottled or packaged by the manufacturer shall be referred to as
"fortified wine." However, "fortified wine" shall not include: (a)
Wines that are both sealed or capped by cork closure and aged two years
or more; and (b) wines that contain more than fourteen percent alcohol
by volume solely as a result of the natural fermentation process and
that have not been produced with the addition of wine spirits, brandy,
or alcohol.
This subsection shall not be interpreted to require that any wine
be labeled with the designation "table wine" or "fortified wine."
(((40))) (39) "Wine distributor" means a person who buys wine from
a domestic winery, wine certificate of approval holder, or wine
importer, or who acquires foreign produced wine from a source outside
of the United States, for the purpose of selling the same not in
violation of this title, or who represents such vintner or winery as
agent.
(((41))) (40) "Wine importer" means a person or business within
Washington who purchases wine from a wine certificate of approval
holder or who acquires foreign produced wine from a source outside of
the United States for the purpose of selling the same pursuant to this
title.
Sec. 24 RCW 66.16.030 and 1933 ex.s. c 62 s 6 are each amended to
read as follows:
The sale of liquor at each state liquor store shall be conducted by
a person employed under this title ((to be known as a "vendor,")) who
shall, together with the employees under his direction, under the
regulations of the board, be responsible for the carrying out of this
title and the regulations, so far as they relate to the conduct of the
store and the sale of liquor thereat.
Sec. 25 RCW 66.16.040 and 2004 c 61 s 1 are each amended to read
as follows:
Except as otherwise provided by law, an employee in a state liquor
store or ((agency)) contract liquor store may sell liquor to any person
of legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages and may also sell to
holders of permits such liquor as may be purchased under such permits.
Where there may be a question of a person's right to purchase
liquor by reason of age, such person shall be required to present any
one of the following officially issued cards of identification which
shows his/her correct age and bears his/her signature and photograph:
(1) Liquor control authority card of identification of any state or
province of Canada.
(2) Driver's license, instruction permit or identification card of
any state or province of Canada, or "identicard" issued by the
Washington state department of licensing pursuant to RCW 46.20.117.
(3) United States armed forces identification card issued to active
duty, reserve, and retired personnel and the personnel's dependents,
which may include an imbedded, digital signature in lieu of a visible
signature.
(4) Passport.
(5) Merchant Marine identification card issued by the United States
Coast Guard.
The board may adopt such regulations as it deems proper covering
the cards of identification listed in this section.
No liquor sold under this section shall be delivered until the
purchaser has paid for the liquor in cash, except as allowed under RCW
66.16.041. The use of a personal credit card does not rely upon the
credit of the state as prohibited by Article VIII, section 5 of the
state Constitution.
Sec. 26 RCW 66.20.160 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 209 s 4 are each
amended to read as follows:
Words and phrases as used in RCW 66.20.160 to 66.20.210, inclusive,
shall have the following meaning:
"Card of identification" means any one of those cards described in
RCW 66.16.040.
"Contract liquor store employee" means a contract liquor store
manager or a person employed in a contract liquor store to sell liquor.
"Licensee" means the holder of a retail liquor license issued by
the board, and includes any employee or agent of the licensee.
"Store employee" means a person employed in a state liquor store
((or agency)) to sell liquor.
Sec. 27 RCW 66.20.180 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 209 s 6 are each
amended to read as follows:
A card of identification shall be presented by the holder thereof
upon request of any licensee, store employee, peace officer, or
enforcement officer of the board for the purpose of aiding the
licensee, store employee, peace officer, or enforcement officer of the
board to determine whether or not such person is of legal age to
purchase liquor when such person desires to procure liquor from a
licensed establishment or state liquor store or ((agency)) contract
liquor store.
Sec. 28 RCW 66.24.380 and 2004 c 133 s 2 are each amended to read
as follows:
There shall be a retailer's license to be designated as a special
occasion license to be issued to a not-for-profit society or
organization to sell spirits, beer, and wine by the individual serving
for on-premises consumption at a specified event, such as at picnics or
other special occasions, at a specified date and place; fee sixty
dollars per day.
(1) The not-for-profit society or organization is limited to sales
of no more than twelve calendar days per year. For the purposes of
this subsection, special occasion licensees that are "agricultural area
fairs" or "agricultural county, district, and area fairs," as defined
by RCW 15.76.120, that receive a special occasion license may, once per
calendar year, count as one event fairs that last multiple days, so
long as alcohol sales are at set dates, times, and locations, and the
board receives prior notification of the dates, times, and locations.
The special occasion license applicant will pay the sixty dollars per
day for this event.
(2) The licensee may sell beer and/or wine in original, unopened
containers for off-premises consumption if permission is obtained from
the board prior to the event.
(3) Sale, service, and consumption of spirits, beer, and wine is to
be confined to specified premises or designated areas only.
(4) Spirituous liquor sold under this special occasion license must
be purchased at a state liquor store or ((agency)) contract liquor
store without discount at retail prices, including all taxes.
(5) Any violation of this section is a class 1 civil infraction
having a maximum penalty of two hundred fifty dollars as provided for
in chapter 7.80 RCW.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 29 Sections 1 through 16 of this act
constitute a new chapter in Title
SSB 5487 -
By Senator Sheldon
On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "Relating to" strike the remainder of the title and insert "the privatization of liquor sales; amending RCW 66.08.026, 66.08.150, 66.08.220, 66.24.440, 66.08.050, 66.08.235, 66.04.010, 66.16.030, 66.16.040, 66.20.160, 66.20.180, and 66.24.380; adding a new chapter to Title 66 RCW; and providing an expiration date."