| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
HB 2076
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Creating a wine and beer tasting pilot project in grocery stores.
Sponsors: Representatives Conway, Williams, Condotta, Newhouse and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/23/07
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
A grocery store license issued by the Liquor Control Board allows the sale of beer and/or wine
for off-premises consumption. A beer and/or wine specialty shop license also allows the sale of
beer and/or wine for off-premises consumption. Speciality shops may provide up to two ounce
samples for purposes of sales promotion.
Current law allows other giving away of liquor by licensees in limited circumstances. A
brewery, distributor, winery, distiller, certificate of approval holder, or importer may furnish
samples of beer, wine, or spirits to a licensee to negotiate sales. Except for importers, these
licensees are also allowed to provide samples of beer, wine, or spirits to licensees and their
employees to instruct them on the history, nature, values, and characteristics of the beer, wine, or
spirits. A winery, brewery, certificate of approval holder, or distributor may also furnish wine
and beer to certain nonprofit groups. Finally, a brewery or winery may serve beer or wine
without charge on its premises.
Summary of Bill:
The Liquor Control Board (Board) is directed to establish a pilot project for beer and wine tasting
in grocery stores. The pilot project is for 30 stores with at least six tastings (but no more than
once a month) at each location between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008.
The pilot project locations must be equally allocated between independently owned and chain
grocery stores. To be eligible, the primary activity of the store must be the retail sale of grocery
products for off-premises consumption and the store must have a fully enclosed retail area of at
least 9000 square feet.
A number of conditions for sampling must be met. Samples must be two ounces or less, up to
four ounces, and no more than one sample of any single brand may be provided to a customer
during any one visit. The service area must be within the store's fully enclosed retail area and
must be of a size and design so that the licensee can observe and control people in the area to
ensure that those under 21 and obviously intoxicated persons cannot consume alcohol.
Customers must remain in the service area while consuming alcohol. The store may only
advertise the tasting event within the store. Finally, employees of both grocery stores and
speciality shops who are involved in tasting activities must complete a Board-approved limited
alcohol server training program that addresses only those subjects reasonably related to the
tasting activities.
The cost of sampling may not be born by any liquor manufacturer, importer, or distributor.
The Board must report to the Legislature by December 1, 2008 and the provisions also expire on
December 1, 2008.
Rules Authority: The Liquor control Board must adopt rules to implement the provisions.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.