SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5006

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 Bill

Authorizes microbreweries to sell wine from its premises for on-premises consumption.
Establishes a $125 annual fee for the license endorsement.
Requires individuals who sell or serve beer, cider, or wine at a microbrewery to have a class 12 or 13 alcohol server permit.

Background: A microbrewery license authorizes production of up to 60,000 barrels of malt liquor, including strong beer, per year. Microbreweries are permitted to sell from its premises, for on- or off-premises consumption: beer of its own production; beer produced by another microbrewery, provided the other brewery's beers do not constitute more than 25 percent of the on-tap offerings; and cider produced by a domestic winery. A domestic winery is a place where wines are manufactured or produced within the State of Washington.

An alcohol server permit is required for employees who sell, serve, or handle alcohol. The permit is issued after the successful completion of a mandatory alcohol server training course and the associated examination. A class 12 permit is issued for individuals who are age twenty-one or older. A more limited class 13 permit is issued for individuals age eighteen to twenty.

Summary of Bill: A licensed microbrewery may apply for an endorsement to sell, by the individual glass, wine produced by a domestic winery for on-premises consumption. The fee for the endorsement is $125 per year.

Any person selling or serving beer, cider, or wine at a microbrewery for on-premises consumption must obtain a class 12 or class 13 alcohol server permit.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The endorsement authorized under this bill would allow microbreweries to sell wine by the glass. Some microbrewery patrons do not drink beer and would prefer to have wine. This bill would allow that and would be used by microbreweries all over the state. The prime sponsor is willing to remove the limitation that the only wine could be domestic wine made in Washington.

CON: A recent study concluded that there is not a safe level of alcohol consumption. We need to carefully evaluate all legislation that expands alcohol access and promotion. Not all legislation on alcohol is equally objectionable and our opposition is pretty mild on this bill. Keep in mind that once you allow a provision for beer, then you will be asked for the same provision for wine.

OTHER: Currently there are two avenues that would allow microbreweries to sell beer and wine. The microbreweries could get a restaurant beer and wine license or a tavern license. The restaurant license requires the establishment to have a kitchen and serve food, while the tavern license would be restricted to adults age 21 or older. If the bill passes, microbreweries would be able to serve beer and wine without having to follow the requirements imposed on other licensees. While we are neutral on this bill, many of the smaller breweries would like this option.