The bill seeks to streamline the sale of wine and spirits in Washington by removing the existing limit on the volume of spirits sold per transaction, which previously capped sales at twenty-four liters for various licensees. This amendment is designed to facilitate larger transactions and improve the sales process for retailers. Additionally, the bill updates the fee structure for licenses, increasing the annual fee for a combination spirits, beer, and wine license to $316 and for a wine retailer reseller endorsement to $110. New requirements are also introduced, such as maintaining a minimum inventory of food products or alcoholic beverages and permitting the sale of confections containing alcohol to individuals aged 21 and older.

Moreover, the bill modifies the regulations surrounding the issuance of spirits retail licenses, ensuring that qualified contract liquor stores and former state liquor store operators cannot be denied a license based on the location or size of their premises. It allows other applicants to obtain licenses without regard to premises size, provided they meet specific criteria. The fee structure is further adjusted to include a license issuance fee of 17 percent of all spirits sales revenues, while maintaining an annual renewal fee of $166. Licensees are required to provide employee training related to spirits sales, and the bill establishes a "responsible vendor program" aimed at reducing underage drinking. While penalties for violations are generally doubled, those participating in the responsible vendor program may be exempt from this increase for a single violation within a specified timeframe.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 66.24.035, 66.24.179, 66.24.360, 66.24.630