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 license types. This amendment is designed to facilitate larger transactions and improve the sales process for retailers. Additionally, the bill updates licensing fees, increasing the annual fee for a combination spirits, beer, and wine license to $316 and for a wine retailer reseller endorsement to $110. It also introduces new requirements for licensees, such as maintaining a minimum inventory of food or alcoholic beverages and permitting the sale of alcohol-infused confections to individuals aged 21 and older.

Moreover, the bill modifies the criteria for issuing spirits retail licenses, ensuring that qualified contract liquor stores and former state liquor store operators cannot be denied licenses based on the location or size of their premises. It establishes a new fee structure, including a license issuance fee of 17 percent of all spirits sales revenues and maintains an annual renewal fee of $166. The legislation emphasizes the necessity of compliance training for employees involved in alcohol sales and introduces a "responsible vendor program" to promote best practices and reduce underage drinking, allowing participants to avoid increased penalties for single violations within a specified timeframe. Additionally, it provides flexibility for certain licensees to transition to a combination spirits, beer, and wine license.

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