Washington State

House of Representatives

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BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

HB 1244

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: Modifying liquor permit and licensing provisions.

Sponsors: Representatives Condotta, Hunt, Taylor and Miloscia.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant to sell beer in a sanitary container brought to the premises by the purchaser or furnished by the restaurant and filled at the tap by the restaurant at the time of sale.

  • Allows a liquor mixer vendor to obtain a special permit to serve liquor at a liquor licensee trade association convention.

Hearing Date: 2/3/11

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

The Liquor Control Board (Board) issues a variety of liquor licenses, including microbrewery and restaurant licenses. Spirits, beer, and wine restaurants may obtain an endorsement to sell malt liquor in kegs or other containers that are capable of holding four gallons or more. Some licensees may sell beer in a sanitary container brought to the premises by the purchaser and filled at the tap at the time of sale. Licensees with this privilege are breweries and microbreweries (who also hold a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license), and beer and wine restaurants, and taverns (who also hold a "combined" license. Breweries and microbreweries may also furnish the container.

A special liquor permit allows a manufacturer, importer, or distributor to serve liquor without charge to delegates and guests at a convention of a trade association of liquor licensees. The liquor must be served in a hospitality room or from a booth in a Board-approved suppliers' display room.

Summary of Bill:

The endorsement permitting a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant to sell kegs also allows the sale of beer in a sanitary container brought to the premises by the purchaser or furnished by the licensee and filled at the tap by the restaurant at the time of sale.

A vendor that manufactures liquor mixers, in addition to a manufacturer, importer, or distributor, may obtain a special permit to serve liquor at a liquor licensee trade association convention.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.