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Liquor license fee increases draw opposition from restaurants, grocers and small retailers
Summary
A staff briefing on second substitute Senate Bill 5786 outlined nearly universal increases to liquor license, permit and endorsement fees (many at 50%), estimated to raise about $9 million per year. Industry groups and small business owners testified the changes would be disproportionate for restaurants, grocery stores and small retailers.
House Appropriations staff briefed members on second substitute Senate Bill 57‑86, which would raise most liquor license, permit and endorsement fees (many by 50%) and adjust several other license categories by different amounts. The Liquor and Cannabis Board estimates the bill would raise about $9 million in general‑fund revenue annually and about $250,000 a year for UW and WSU alcohol research. The board also estimates one‑time IT costs around $165,000.
Why it matters: License fees affect a wide range of businesses — from small…
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