HB 1004

Brief Description: Modifying theater license provisions.

Sponsors: Representatives Ryu, Young, Kirby, Vick, Blake, Jenkin, Caldier and Chambers.

Hearing Date: 2/21/19

Staff: Kyle Raymond (786-7190).

Background:

A theater meeting specified criteria is authorized to obtain two licenses from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) that allow the theater to sell alcoholic beverages. The LCB issues a: (1) spirits, beer, and wine theater license that authorizes theaters to sell spirits, beer, and wine for on-premise consumption; and (2) beer and wine theater license that authorizes theaters to sell beer, including strong beer, or wine, or both, at retail, for on-premise consumption. "Theater" means a place of business where motion pictures or other primarily non-participatory entertainment are shown, and includes only theaters with up to four screens.

Spirits, Beer, and Wine Theater License.

To be eligible for a spirits, beer, and wine theater license, a 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 Washington State 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.

Summary of Bill:

Theaters with over 120 seats per screen are able to obtain a spirits, beer, and wine theater license to sell alcoholic beverages to qualified patrons, subject to requirements.

All spirits, beer, and wine theater licensees (licensees) are required to sell alcoholic beverages in distinctive glassware that is visibly different from glassware containing nonalcoholic beverages. A maximum glassware size for beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits is established for licensees. Specifically, the size of glassware containing:

• beer must not exceed 24-ounces,

• cocktails must not exceed 16-ounces,

• wine must not exceed 10-ounces; and

• distilled spirits drinks must not exceed three-ounces of spirits and be a maximum of 100 proof.

Licensees must separate the bar and lounge area from the concession stand, with the exception of theaters with no more than four screens that also provide tabletop service. Licensees that are required to separate the bar and lounge area from the concession stand may not sell alcoholic beverages from any temporary location on the premises, including mobile bars, ice buckets, and hawkers.

Licensees may not hold promotions that encourage intoxication or drinking contests. Each customer must be physically present and age-verified at the time any alcoholic beverage is ordered. Licensees are required to ensure all managers and staff who interact with guests complete a responsible service of alcohol course within 30 days of hire. The course must teach the managers and staff to identify minors and prevent them from purchasing alcoholic beverages, and identify the signs of intoxication and prevent service to intoxicated individuals.

The definition of "theater" is changed to allow establishments with over four screens to be considered theaters.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.