SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6366
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 of January 25, 2012
Title: An act relating to theater licenses.
Brief Description: Establishing a theater license to sell beer, including strong beer, or wine, or both, at retail for consumption on theater premises.
Sponsors: Senator Pridemore.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/24/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
Background: Nonprofit arts organizations can obtain a liquor license to sell liquor to patrons on the premises at sponsored events, which are approved by the Liquor Control Board (LCB). The fee for such a license is $250 per year. A nonprofit arts organization is one which provides artistic or cultural exhibitions, or performances or art education programs for attendance by the general public. It must meet legal requirements for a not-for-profit corporation and must satisfy specific conditions set by the LCB.
Artistic or cultural exhibitions, presentations or performances, or cultural or art education programs are specifically defined and limited in statute.
Theater is defined in statute as an establishment in which feature motion pictures are regularly exhibited to the public for an admission charge.
Summary of Bill: A new liquor license is created to permit a theater to sell beer, strong beer, over 8 percent alcohol by weight, and wine for consumption on theater premises. The annual fee for such a license is $200 per year for a beer license, $200 per year for a wine license or $400 per year for a combination license. In the event that the theater premises will ever have minors present, the theater license applicant must submit a minor control plan to the LCB at the time it applies for a license. Prior to minors being allowed on the premises, the LCB must approve the minor control plan, and it must be prominently posted on the premises. There is an annual fee of $50 for the review and approval of the minor control plan. The minor control plan must show where and when minors are permitted and the measures used to prevent them from obtaining alcohol. The LCB is given authority to adopt rules addressing minor control plans and necessary control measures.
Appropriation: None.
[OFM requested 10-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2012.
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: This will allow smaller theaters to be competitive and provides for adequate protections against serving minors.
CON: This normalizes drinking behavior in a social setting with minors and sets a bad example.
OTHER: The LCB can't really monitor compliance regarding minors when service is provided in a darkened theater. Not accustomed to having separated beer or wine license charged separately.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Pridemore, prime sponsor.
CON: Seth Dawson, WA Assn. for Substance Abuse Prevention.
OTHER: Rick Garza, Alan Rathbun, LCB.