FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5280

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.

C 192 L 15

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning the sale of beer and cider by grocery store licensees.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Braun and Warnick).

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Commerce & Gaming

House Committee on General Government & Information Technology

Background: The Liquor Control Board (LCB) is the lead agency responsible for the licensing of businesses that sell spirits, beer, and wine.

Certain licensees are authorized to sell beer and cider in sanitary containers (growlers) brought to the premises by the purchaser to be filled at the tap at the time of sale. The following businesses, holding the proper licenses or endorsements, are authorized to sell beer and cider in growlers: (1) domestic breweries; (2) microbreweries; (3) beer and wine retailers; (4) beer or wine specialty shops; (5) restaurants; and (6) hotels. Except for hotels, the sales are only permitted for off-premises consumption.

A class 12 alcohol server permit for managers or bartenders requires completion of a course certified by the LCB. Curriculum includes subjects such as the physiological effects of alcohol, liability and legal information, driving while intoxicated, effective intervention, methods for checking proper identification, and Washington laws.

Summary: A grocery store licensee that exceeds 50 percent beer and wine sales as a percentage of total sales or maintains an alcohol inventory of not less than $15,000 may, with LCB approval, receive an endorsement to sell beer or cider in growlers. The growlers may be brought to the grocery store by the purchaser or provided by the licensee or manufacturer and must be filled at the tap at the time of sale by an employee with a class 12 alcohol server permit.

Electronic benefit transfer cards may not be used in a licensed grocery store to purchase beer or cider in a growler.

LCB may adopt rules and establish fees to implement the grocery store licensee provisions. The rules may include the regulation of the sale of beer or cider or the sizes of containers that may be filled.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

38

10

House

67

30

(House amended)

Senate

35

12

Effective:

July 24, 2015