The bill aims to establish civil penalties for the unlawful sale or supply of alcohol to minors in Washington State, addressing the inconsistencies in penalties based on the seller's occupation or location. It introduces a new section that allows the liquor and cannabis board to impose administrative penalties for violations, particularly for store clerks, who previously faced gross misdemeanor citations without administrative options. The bill retains criminal penalties for intentional or repeat offenses while creating a structured schedule of monetary fines for first, second, and subsequent violations, which are set at $200, $400, and $500, respectively. Additionally, the board may offer a class for retail clerks as an alternative to a monetary penalty for their first violation.

The bill also amends existing law to standardize the age limit for alcohol-related offenses to 21 years, replacing the previous phrasing of "twenty-one." It clarifies that civil penalties will not be in addition to criminal enforcement, and the board can seek injunctive relief to enforce these provisions. Furthermore, it ensures that individuals under 21 years of age seeking medical assistance for alcohol poisoning will not face prosecution under certain conditions, promoting public health and safety. Overall, the legislation aims to harmonize penalties across different types of alcohol sellers while maintaining public health protections.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 66.44.270
Bill as Passed Legislature: 66.44.270
Session Law: 66.44.270