The bill aims to streamline the administration of wine and spirit sales in Washington by removing the existing per transaction limit on the volume of spirits sold, specifically eliminating the restriction that no single sale may exceed twenty-four liters for various licensees, including combination spirits, beer, and wine licensees, as well as wine retailer reseller endorsements and grocery store licenses. It also updates the fee structure, increasing the annual fee for the combination spirits, beer, and wine license to $316 and the wine retailer reseller endorsement to $110. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for licensees, 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 revises the criteria for issuing spirits retail licenses, ensuring that qualified applicants cannot be denied based on the location or size of their premises, provided they meet operational requirements and have a clean public safety record. It allows for deliveries of spirits to various licensed premises and introduces a compliance training program called the "responsible vendor program" to promote best practices in alcohol sales and reduce underage drinking. The bill also establishes a license issuance fee of 17 percent of all spirits sales revenues, maintains an annual renewal fee of $166, and emphasizes the necessity of training for individuals involved in spirits sales, with penalties for violations being doubled and incentives provided for participation in the responsible vendor program.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 66.24.035, 66.24.179, 66.24.360, 66.24.630
Bill as Passed Legislature: 66.24.035, 66.24.179, 66.24.360, 66.24.630
Session Law: 66.24.035, 66.24.179, 66.24.360, 66.24.630