SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5155
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 Senate, February 4, 2015
Title: An act relating to special occasion licenses.
Brief Description: Modifying special occasion licenses provisions.
Sponsors: Senator King.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/21/15, 1/26/15 [DP].
Passed Senate: 2/04/15, 41-8.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Keiser, King and Warnick.
Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)
Background: A not-for-profit organization that obtains a special occasion liquor license may sell spirits, beer, and wine by the individual glass to be consumed on the premises. This license permits the licensee to serve liquor at a specified event, on a specified date and place. The fee for this license is $60 per day and the organization is limited to sales on no more than 12 days per year.
The sale, service, and consumption of spirits, beer, or wine is limited to a designated area only. If an organization gets prior permission from the Liquor Control Board, the licensee may sell spirits, beer, or wine in original, unopened containers for off-premises consumption as well.
Summary of Bill: In addition to serving spirits, beer, and wine by the individual glass for on-premises consumption, a not-for-profit organization that obtains a special occasion liquor license may also sell wine in original, unopened containers for consumption on the premises, if prior permission is obtained from the Liquor Control Board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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 bill concerns adult functions held as fundraisers for nonprofit organizations. The bill allows individuals to purchase a bottle of wine to share at a fundraising event. It is helpful and reasonable to allow the sharing of wine at these events. There is still an element of control as the Liquor Control Board must give their prior approval to allow these types of sales.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator King, prime sponsor.