Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alcohol Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs ordinance allowing craft beer/wine markets to sell one distilled spirit on site
Summary
The committee advanced an ordinance change permitting craft beer-and-wine market licensees to sell one distilled spirit type on premises, keeping other state distance rules and licensing requirements in place.
The committee advanced an ordinance amendment that would let craft beer and wine market operators sell a single distilled spirit for on-premises consumption alongside their existing beer or wine offerings.
David Davidson, the city's chief legal officer, described the proposed amendment as a narrow change: craft beer-and-wine markets would still be required to offer craft beer and/or wine, but could add one distilled spirit type for consumption on the premises. Davidson said the ordinance would define distilled spirits to include “whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila, or rum.”
Committee members asked whether state law affects such sales; Davidson replied that state law imposes distance requirements on establishments serving distilled spirits that do not apply to beer and wine. Councilmember Sarah Beeson asked whether markets would still be required to serve beer or wine in addition to the distilled spirit; Davidson confirmed they would.
Councilmember Julie Hills moved the recommendation to advance the ordinance; Councilmember (first name not recorded) Northland seconded. The committee approved the amendment unanimously.
Committee members discussed enforcement and penalties if a business exceeded the allowed offering; Davidson said a licensee could risk losing its entire license if it violated the rules. Supporters at the table framed the change as a modest measure intended to help some small local businesses diversify revenue without converting them into full bars.
