Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Gaming Committee

SSB 5161

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.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Revises the criteria for the issuance of a spirits, beer, and wine theater license by eliminating two requirements: (1) that the theater have no more than 120 seats per screen; and (2) that the theater have tabletop accommodations for in-theater dining.
Eliminates the requirement that a beer and wine theater license may only be issued to a theater with a maximum of four screens.

Background:

Spirits, Beer, and Wine Theater License.

A theater meeting specified criteria is authorized to obtain a license allowing the theater to sell spirits, beer, and wine at retail for on-premise consumption. "Theater" means a place of business where motion pictures or other primarily non-participatory entertainment are shown.

To be eligible for a spirits, beer, and wine theater license, the theater must not have more than 120 seats per screen, must prepare, cook and serve complete meals, and provide tabletop accommodations for in-theater dining. The requirements for complete meals are the same as the requirements that apply to spirits, beer, and wine restaurants. The annual fee for the license is $2,000.

If minors are allowed in the theater, the theater must submit an alcohol control plan to the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) for approval. The alcohol control plan is a written, dated, and signed plan showing where and when alcohol is permitted, where and when minors are permitted, and the control measures used to ensure minors are not exposed to environments where drinking alcohol predominates. The LCB must adopt rules regarding alcohol control plans. Any person serving alcohol must have completed a mandatory alcohol server training program.

Beer and Wine Theater License.

There is a theater license to sell beer, including strong beer, or wine, or both, at retail, for consumption on theater premises. The annual fee for the license is $400. "Theater" means a place of business where motion pictures or other primarily non-participatory entertainment are shown.

If the theater is to be frequented by minors, an alcohol control plan must be submitted to the board at the time of application. The provisions that must be included in an alcohol control plan for a beer and wine theater license are the same as those required for a theater with a spirits, beer, and wine theater license.

Summary of Bill:

Spirits, Beer, and Wine Theater License.

The criteria that a theater must meet to be eligible for a spirits, beer, and wine theater license are revised by eliminating two requirements: (1) that the theater have no more than 120 seats per screen; and (2) that the theater have tabletop accommodations for in-theater dining.

Beer and Wine Theater License.

The requirement that a theater with a beer and wine theater license have no more than four screens is eliminated.