SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1676
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 of March 19, 2019
Title: An act relating to business activities that may be considered as factors in the liquor licensing process.
Brief Description: Concerning business activities in the liquor licensing process.
Sponsors: Representative MacEwen.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/08/19, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Labor & Commerce: 3/19/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE |
Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)
Background: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) issues various liquor licenses to qualified applicants wishing to engage in the manufacture, distribution, or retail sale of liquor in Washington. When considering applications for liquor licenses and renewals of liquor licenses, the LCB may inspect the premises proposed to be licensed and may inquire into all matters in connection with the construction and operation of the premises.
For certain types of liquor licenses, the business activities of the licensee or applicant or the uses of the premises licensed or proposed to be licensed may impact the liquor licensing process or the applicant's license requirements. For example, licensed spirits, beer, and wine restaurants are subject to a graduated fee schedule according to the dedicated dining area and type of service provided. When a restaurant applicant or licensee's premises includes less than 50 percent dedicated dining area, the license fee is $2,000. When there is 50 percent or more dedicated dining area, the fee is $1,600, and for a service bar the fee is $1,000.
Pursuant to requirements established in rules, to qualify as a dedicated dining area, the area must be a distinct portion inside of a restaurant used primarily for the sale, service, and consumption of food, and the area must have accommodations for eating. Areas dedicated to live music or entertainment, such as dance floors or stages are not considered dedicated dining areas. Dedicated dining areas may not contain liquor bars or areas dedicated to games or gaming devices.
For areas outside of dedicated dining areas classified as off-limits to minors, as well as for game rooms, permanently affixed barriers must be placed around the areas. In rule, "game room" is defined as an area of a business set up for the primary purpose of patrons using games or gaming devices.
When applying for a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license, rules require an applicant to provide two copies of a detailed drawing of the entire premises. The drawing must be drawn 1 foot to 1/4-inch scale; have all rooms labeled according to their use, such as dining room, lounge, game room, and kitchen; and have all barriers labeled in a descriptive way, such as full wall, or half wall.
Summary of Bill: For purposes of issuing and renewing liquor licenses, and for determining fees for and making other decisions with respect to liquor licenses, arts and crafts activities may not be considered a gaming activity when conducted on the premises of a business licensed or proposed to be licensed.
No decision on whether to issue or renew a liquor license, or in determining fees for or making any other decision with respect to a liquor license, may include as a factor, consideration, or other basis in making the licensing decision, the fact that an applicant's business activities at the premises, in any area or areas of the premises, includes offering, conducting, or making available arts and crafts activities to or for customers or guests, regardless of whether a fee is charged to customers or guests related to the arts and crafts activities.
The term "arts and crafts activities" is defined to include, but not be limited to, painting, pottery, and sign making.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill simply provides that a restaurant with a liquor license may allow the patrons to engage in arts and craft activities in the main dining area, instead of in a separate walled-off game room.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Zachary Lindahl, Washington Hospitality Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.