SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6222

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:

Commerce & Labor, January 27, 2014

Title: An act relating to the streamlining and simplification of permits and licenses related to alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and spirits.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Holmquist Newbry, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Conway, Ranking Member; Hasegawa, Hewitt, King and Kohl-Welles.

Background: The Washington Liquor Control Board (LCB) administers a wide variety of liquor-related licenses, endorsements, and permits. These differ based upon the type of business or organization applying for the license, the type of alcoholic beverage the applicant intends to serve, the planned activity or event, duration, etc. The process for obtaining the appropriate licenses or permits has become confusing to businesses and to the public.

Summary of Bill: LCB must make recommendations to the Legislature which include a detailed account of the statutory and technology changes needed to measurably streamline and simplify the spirits, beer, and wine licensing process.

Recommendations should address applications for permits and licenses, renewals, appeal of agency adverse actions, penalties, and categories of permits and licenses. Recommendations are not limited to these topics and LCB must convene a workgroup of regulated parties to provide input.

LCB must submit its recommendations to the Legislature by December 30, 2014.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The permitting and licensing scheme is complex and burdensome; it could be more efficient. The agency works with a legacy mainframe database and could use an update.