HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1342
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 Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to permitting the sale of cider in microbrewery tasting rooms.
Brief Description: Permitting the sale of cider in microbrewery tasting rooms.
Sponsors: Representatives Bergquist, Condotta, Takko, S. Hunt, Wylie, Magendanz and Moscoso.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Commerce & Gaming: 1/27/15, 2/16/15 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/3/15, 96-1.
Passed Senate: 4/8/15, 39-9.
Passed Legislature.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & GAMING |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hurst, Chair; Wylie, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Holy, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Blake, Kirby, Moscoso, Scott and Vick.
Staff: David Rubenstein (786-7153).
Background:
A microbrewery license authorizes production of up to 60,000 barrels of beer per year. There are 280 licensed microbreweries in the state. Microbreweries are also permitted to sell beer for on-premises consumption and may sell beer produced by another microbrewery, provided that the other brewery's beers do not constitute more than 25 percent of the on-tap offerings.
Cider, or fermented apple or pear juice containing between 0.5 percent and 7 percent alcohol, is defined as wine under the liquor control statutes. Microbreweries may not serve wine without a separate license, such as a tavern license or a beer and/or wine restaurant license.
Summary of Bill:
Licensed microbreweries may sell cider produced by a domestic winery for on-premises or off-premises consumption.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Under current law, if a business runs both a cidery and a microbrewery, the business cannot offer tastings of the two products together under either license. Some businesses offer both without authorization, but they should be allowed to do so within the law. This bill will allow businesses to offer more family-friendly events. Locally produced cider and beer promote Washington agriculture, and serving the two together can improve education to the public about Washington products. It would also boost revenue to the local economy and tax base.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Bergquist, prime sponsor; and Eric Willard, Two Beers Brewing Co.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.