November 3, 2000

 
The Board holds its regular public meetings out of the Olympia area once a month in order to learn first-hand about the issues in communities throughout the state. The Board invites you to attend this meeting and comment on any alcohol-related issues or concerns. Following are some of the issues that will be discussed during this meeting:

• Update of Liquor Enforcement activities: Representatives from the Spokane regional enforcement office will give an update of enforcement activities and issues and also be available for questions from licensees. 
  
  
• Overview of Board’s regulatory improvement process: The agency is currently reviewing all of its rules, per an Executive Order to all state agencies from Governor Locke. The purpose of this review is for agencies to work with stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness, clarity, fairness, and statutory intent of the agency’s rules. Staff will give an update of rules that are coming up for review, and talk about how interested parties can be involved in our rule making process.
  
  
• Update of new rules: In June, the Board adopted a set of revised rules that made some changes to regulations required for restaurants that serve beer, wine, and spirits. Staff will review these changes and answer any questions. 
  
  
• Overview of proposed rules: The Liquor Control is currently reviewing a set of rules that outline general requirements for liquor licensees, including topics such as licensee areas of responsibility, restrictions on serving to underage persons and apparently intoxicated persons, and prohibited conduct on licensed premises. Staff will outline the changes the agency is considering proposing. This language will be the subject of a future public hearing. 
  
  One of the specific changes the Board has been asked to consider is a narrow exception to the prohibition against licensees and employees drinking on duty. The proposed exception would allow winery and brewery owners and employees to sample their product with the public in tasting rooms for education and quality control purposes. The Board would like to hear input on this proposal. 
  
  
• Update on Retail Liquor Sales Task Force: In April, Governor Gary Locke appointed a “Retail Task Force” to explore efficiencies within Washington State’s liquor retail system and to examine various options for the retail sale of liquor, and to make recommendations to the Governor in December. The Board will discuss the progress made by the task force and answer any questions from the public. 
  
  If you have any questions or need directions, please contact Tricia Currier, Liquor Control Board Public Information Officer, at 360-664-1784.
  
  
  
  For more information, contact Gigi Zenk at (360) 664-1774.
  

For more information, please contact Tricia Currier.