Wine industry seeks parity to let wineries hold restaurant licenses at additional locations
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Summary
HB 25‑36 would allow licensed domestic wineries to hold spirits/beer/wine restaurant licenses at additional tasting‑room locations with the same privileges, intended to reduce administrative burden and create parity with breweries.
The committee heard House Bill 25‑36, which would permit licensed domestic wineries to hold spirits, beer and wine restaurant licenses at one or more additional winery locations with the same privileges and endorsements. Megan Mulvihill, committee staff, explained the three‑tier liquor framework and that manufacturing/distribution tier licensees are generally limited in retail interests, with specified exceptions.
Josh McDonald of the Washington Wine Institute and Tom Dugan of Delille Cellars testified in strong support. McDonald said the bill does not expand alcohol access but reduces burdensome, costly processes that force wineries to create separate business entities to operate restaurant spaces at off‑site tasting rooms. Dugan described industry decline and added that the bill would help family‑owned producers streamline operations and preserve jobs.
Scott Hazelgrove reiterated tied‑house concerns and urged careful drafting to avoid creating undue supplier influence; industry and hospitality groups portrayed the bill as a parity and economic‑development measure for a struggling sector.
The committee held testimony and did not advance the bill at this hearing.
