Bill to remove per‑screen seat cap for theater liquor licenses draws industry support
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Summary
HB 24‑76 would remove the statutory limit that a theater have 120 seats or fewer per screen to qualify for a spirits/beer/wine theater license; proponents said the change preserves safety controls while helping theaters compete and diversify offerings.
The committee also heard House Bill 24‑76, which would eliminate the statutory requirement that a theater have 120 seats or fewer per screen to qualify for a spirits, beer and wine theater license. Staff Megan Mulvihill explained the current definition and the existing requirement for an alcohol control plan where minors may be present.
Representative Jeremy Dufo, sponsor, said the change would help downtown theaters and community gathering spaces — citing a Yakima example — by allowing more patrons to come inside for events rather than congregate outside near bars. He emphasized the bill applies only to theaters that are eligible to serve alcohol and that existing LCB alcohol control plan requirements for venues frequented by minors remain unchanged.
Supporters included Stephen Mercy (fourth‑generation theater owner), Matt Dunn (Pacific Northwest Theater Owners Association/Cinemark), and Sean DeWitts (Washington Hospitality Association). Testimony stressed industry safety measures — ID scanning, two‑drink limits, auditorium monitoring — and economic pressures on theaters since the COVID‑19 pandemic.
The committee closed testimony and prepared for executive business later in the session.