Form revised: December 14, 2010

FISCAL NOTE FOR NON-CAPITAL PROJECTS

Department:	Contact Person/Phone:	CBO Analyst/Phone:
Mayor’s Office	Carl Marquardt  206-684-0962

Legislation Title:  A RESOLUTION requesting that the Washington State Liquor Control Board amend State Administrative Rule WAC 314-11-070 and create a new section to allow local governments to petition the Board to establish extended hours service areas within local jurisdictions.

Summary of the Legislation:

This resolution supports a petition to the Washington State Liquor Control Board to amend existing rules to allow for creation of extended hours service areas within local jurisdictions.  This effort is being proposed as part of Seattle’s comprehensive Nightlife Initiative, which aims to increase public safety and provide businesses with greater flexibility to adapt to the market demands of residents and visitors.

Council Central Staff (Ketil Freeman) Note: 

On July 19, 2011 a combined Public Safety and Education and Regional Development and Sustainability Committee amended Resolution 31308 to:

1) Change the title to clarify that the Resolution itself is a request to the WSLCB to amend the WAC;

2) Make minor stylistic changes to the recitals and modify the third and fourth recital to change some emphasis and wording;

3) Add a new section that establishes that the City will work collaboratively with the WSLCB, other local governments and other local police and law enforcement authorities as a potential rule change is established to determine best practices for safely and successfully implementing extended service hour areas.

Background:

Seattle’s diverse lifestyle and economy, as well as conventioneers and visitors accustomed to more modern liquor laws, create demand for nightlife that extends beyond existing entertainment hours.  This is evident in two recent polls, in which more than 75% of over 4,000 participants supported extended hours in Seattle.  Despite market demand for later hours of entertainment, and apparent cultural acceptance of the concept, Seattle venues are not currently allowed to accommodate socializing and entertainment after 2 a.m.

Washington’s uniform 2 a.m. closing time also places considerable demands on Seattle’s police and other public resources to manage and respond to large crowds and occasional aggressive behavior that results when thousands of individuals leave bars at the same time.

Seattle is currently at a competitive disadvantage with other jurisdictions that allow extended service hours. Extended service hours would bring economic benefits to Seattle, including increased numbers of visitors, a more vibrant entertainment industry, and broader recognition as a city friendly to young professionals.

Across the country, at least 15 states allow local jurisdictions substantial authority to determine or extend hours of service based on market demand and regulatory capacity, and at least 18 jurisdictions have established liquor service hours later than 2 a.m. As a progressive and adaptable city, Seattle is well suited to join these cities by adopting a more flexible urban policy that accommodates diverse lifestyles and entertainment choices. 

Please check one of the following:

_X  _ This legislation does not have any financial implications.

____    This legislation has financial implications.