HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2605

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.

Title: An act relating to creating a special permit by a manufacturer of beer to hold a private event for the purpose of tasting and selling beer of its own production.

Brief Description: Creating a special permit by a manufacturer of beer to hold a private event for the purpose of tasting and selling beer of its own production.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Commerce & Gaming: 2/1/16, 2/4/16 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Authorizes the Liquor and Cannabis Board to issue a special permit to a beer manufacturer, allowing the manufacturer to conduct a private tasting and sales event involving beer of its own production.

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, Scott, Van De Wege and Vick.

Background:

Wine manufacturers and distilleries may apply to the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) for a special permit to conduct tastings and sales of wine or spirits of their own production. The permit allows for the sale and consumption of wine or liquor at private, invitation-only gatherings held in a specific place and at a specific time. The permit costs $10 and must be displayed during the event. The LCB may issue no more than 12 permits per year to a single wine manufacturer or distillery.

The LCB is not authorized to issue a special permit to beer manufacturers to hold similar private events.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Summary of Bill:

The LCB is authorized to issue a special permit to a beer manufacturer allowing the manufacturer to conduct a private tasting and sales event involving beer of its own production. The permit allows for the sale and consumption of beer at private, invitation-only gatherings held in a specified place at a specified time. The permit costs $10 and must be displayed during the event. The LCB may issue no more than 12 permits per year to a single beer manufacturer.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Appropriation: None.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill would be a big financial help for breweries insofar as it creates an additional source of revenue and opens up new marketing opportunities. The small craft breweries would especially benefit because it would expand their geographic reach. The bill would enable breweries to have tasting parties at private events. Wineries and distilleries are already allowed to do this, so there is no reason to exclude breweries from this practice.

(Opposed) None.

(Other) Tasting events do not pose any enforcement or public safety issue. Wineries and distilleries already conduct tasting events, and there have been no enforcement issues. Minors should not be able to attend tasting events.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Kirby, prime sponsor; and Annie McGrath, Washington Brewers Guild.

(Other) Seth Dawson, Washington Association for Substance Abuse Prevention; and Timothy Gates and James Paribello, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.