Legislation sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, R-Vancouver, to update Washington’s alcohol warehousing laws received a public hearing this week in the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee.
House Bill 2207 would allow licensed warehouses to store and handle beer in the same manner as wine and spirits, increasing flexibility for breweries, particularly small and mid-sized producers, according to a press release by Washington State House Republicans.
The bill would formally recognize separate warehouse licenses for wine and beer, clarify off-site storage rules, allow shared warehousing space and delay state excise taxes until products leave the warehouse.
“Ultimately, this bill helps Washington producers compete, innovate and reach customers more efficiently,” McClintock said in the press release. “It’s a smart update that would support jobs, small businesses and consumers while preserving strong regulatory oversight.”
House Bill 2207 now awaits a committee vote.
