HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1063

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.

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 qualifying agricultural county and area fairs.

There is a specific license made available to nonprofit arts organizations authorizing such organizations to sell liquor to patrons on the premises at sponsored events, which must be 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.

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Summary of Bill:

A new retail liquor license is created for qualifying nonprofit senior centers. 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 as defined by the LCB, comply with regulations established by the LCB, 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.

The LCB is authorized to adopt rules in order to implement the act.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is an important bill for senior centers insofar as they play a vital role in the senior community but face constant financial struggles. This bill would both: (1) provide a reliable source of revenue for senior centers; and (2) enable the centers to offer an additional entertainment option. Senior centers have few financial resources and this legislation would assist them in becoming self-sufficient. There are other types of liquor licenses available to senior centers, but all present one problem or another and thus have not proven useful. Most senior centers want to sell liquor primarily at special events, but the current licensing options do not allow enough time to complete the licensing process before the special event comes up. The option of selling alcohol at retail would present an invaluable addition to the limited revenue options currently available to senior centers.

(Opposed) This is yet another bill that encourages the public consumption of alcohol. Seniors are a vulnerable population and it is irresponsible to push alcohol at them at every social event. Drunk driving is a very big concern. Alcohol sales should not be used as a means of fundraising. Also, this bill would force seniors who are recovering alcoholics to constantly face the social pressure to drink alcohol.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Karen Sisson, Senior Center of West Seattle; and Terri Shaw, Mason County Senior Activities Association and Center.

(Opposed) Derek Franklin, Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention.