The bill amends Washington's liquor laws to introduce new definitions and regulations for low-proof alcoholic beverages, defined as those containing more than 0.5 percent and less than seven percent alcohol by volume, and packaged in 16 ounces or less. It modifies the definitions of flavored malt beverages, allowing those with six percent or less alcohol to include distilled spirits up to 49 percent of the beverage's overall alcohol content, while those exceeding six percent can contain distilled spirits up to 1.5 percent. Additionally, the definitions of "beer," "malt beverage," and "wine" are updated, with the definition of "wine" clarified to allow up to 24 percent alcohol by volume, and "malt liquor" specified to contain not less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume.

The bill also revises the issuance and regulation of spirits retail licenses, stipulating that licenses can only be issued for premises of at least 10,000 square feet to applicants with effective inventory management and security systems. It prohibits the denial of licenses based on premises size if certain criteria are met, such as a clean public safety record. Furthermore, a new tax of $2.50 per gallon on low-proof beverage distribution and sales is established, alongside revised tax rates for spirits sales. The bill promotes a "responsible vendor program" to combat underage drinking, increases penalties for violations related to spirits sales, and mandates training records for licensees.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 66.04.010, 66.24.630, 66.24.055, 82.08.150