SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6076

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, January 30, 2012

Title: An act relating to senior center licenses.

Brief Description: Creating a senior center license.

Sponsors: Senators Nelson, Fain and Pridemore.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/16/12, 1/23/12, 1/26/12, 1/30/12 [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: Nonprofit organizations can currently be issued a retailer’s special occasion license to sell spirits, beer, and wine by the individual serving for on-premises consumption at specified events. The date and place must be specified. The fee for a special occasion license is $60 per day. Sales are limited to no more than 12 calendar days per year for such events. Exceptions to the 12 calendar day limit are allowed for agricultural county and area fairs.

Summary of Bill: A new retail liquor license is created. Nonprofit organizations whose primary service is providing recreational and social activities for seniors on the licensed premises (senior centers) may qualify for a retail liquor license if they pay a $720 annual license fee, provide limited food service, comply with regulations established by the Liquor Control Board and require servers to have a valid mandatory alcohol server permit. This license allows on-premises sale of spirits, beer, or wine by the glass for consumption on the premises.

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: Most senior centers do not receive state or federal money. Fundraisers are a significant source of money for senior center operations. More people will attend if they can have a glass of beer or wine as part of the activity.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Nelson, prime sponsor; Eileen McKenzie Sullivan, WA State Senior Center Assn.