SENATE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection, March 22, 2011
Title: An act relating to liquor permits and licenses.
Brief Description: Modifying liquor permit and licensing provisions.
Sponsors: Representatives Condotta, Hunt, Taylor and Miloscia.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/26/11, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 3/08/11, 3/21/11, 3/22/11 [DP, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; King, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Keiser and Kline.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Holmquist Newbry, Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
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 (e.g., growlers). Licensees with this privilege are (1) breweries and microbreweries (those that also hold a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license); and (2) beer and wine restaurants, and taverns (those that 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 (e.g., growlers).
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.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We support this bill.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Condotta, prime sponsor; Alan Rathbun, Washington State Liquor Control Board; Julia Clark, Washington Restaurant Association.