Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Regulated Substances & Gaming Committee
HB 2369
Brief Description: Creating a private club liquor permit.
Sponsors: Representatives Couture and Griffey.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates a new liquor permit called an "establishment private club permit," at a cost of $125 annually, authorizing members of a private club who are age 21 and over to consume liquor in a restricted area of a business that holds the new permit and does not sell or advertise liquor.
  • Prohibits liquor from being sold or provided by the permit holder to the public or club members, or by the club or club members to the public.
  • Specifies that only club members age 21 and over may consume liquor on the premises, only when in the restricted area that is not accessible to or advertised to the public, and that no person under age 21 may be present in the restricted area while alcohol is being consumed.
Hearing Date: 1/18/24
Staff: Peter Clodfelter (786-7127).
Background:

The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) issues a variety of liquor licenses and permits authorizing activities related to the manufacture, distribution, sale, service, use, or consumption of beer, wine, spirits, and other liquor.  There are unique privileges and restrictions associated with each liquor license or permit.

 

Permits issued by the LCB include, but are not limited to, a banquet permit and a permit to consume liquor on the premises of a business without a liquor license who, pursuant to LCB rules, may serve alcohol free of charge to employees and invited guests of the business.

 

Among liquor licenses issued by the LCB authorizing the sale of liquor are:  (1) a beer and wine private club license; (2) a spirits, beer, and wine private club license; and (3) a license equivalent to the spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license except for a business that does not serve the general public but, through membership qualification, selectively restricts admission to the business. 
Summary of Bill:

A new annual liquor permit is created, designated as an establishment private club permit, to be issued to a person or business for a premises at which a business that is open to the general public and does not sell or advertise liquor is located.  The annual permit fee is $125. 

 

An establishment private club permit authorizes the consumption of liquor by members of a private club who are age 21 or over in a restricted area of the premises that is separate from the areas to which the general public has access.

 

The following requirements apply to permit holders and to alcohol consumption:

  • No liquor may be sold or provided by the permit holder to the general public or to members of the private club, or by the private club or members of the private club to the general public.
  • Liquor consumed on the premises by a member of the private club must not be provided by the permit holder.
  • Only members of the private club who are age 21 or over may consume liquor on the premises and only when in a restricted area of the premises that is not accessible to or advertised to the general public.
  • No person under 21 years of age may be present in the restricted area while alcohol is being consumed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.