HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1526
As Reported by House Committee On:
Consumer Protection & Business
Title: An act relating to the snack bar liquor license.
Brief Description: Modifying the snack bar liquor license.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Reed and Waters.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Consumer Protection & Business: 1/29/25, 2/5/25 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Permits retailers with a snack bar liquor license to sell wine by the glass, in addition to opened bottled or canned beer.?
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION & BUSINESS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 14 members:Representatives Walen, Chair; McClintock, Ranking Minority Member; Dufault, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Abbarno, Berry, Corry, Donaghy, Fosse, Kloba, Morgan, Reeves, Santos, Steele and Volz.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by 1 member:Representative Ryu.
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:

The Liquor and Cannabis Board may issue a beer retailer's license, designated as a snack bar license, to sell beer by the opened bottle or can, for on-premise consumption only.? A snack bar license is issued to retailers where the sale of beer is not the principal business conducted.? Snack bar licensees must have snack food available whenever beer is sold or served, and they must have designated seating for on-premise consumption.? The annual license fee is $125.
Summary of Bill:

Retailers with a snack bar liquor license are permitted to sell wine by the glass at retail, in addition to beer by the opened bottle or can, for on-premise consumption.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Businesses with this license can sell hard cider and beer, but not wine.? A constituent who has a snack bar inside their garden nursey would like to sell and promote Washington wines from their area.? The constituent contacted the Liquor and Cannabis Board about why these businesses cannot sell wine, and they were told it was limited by state statute.? This bill just allows these types of licensees to sell wine as well.

?

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying:

Representative Joe Schmick, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.