Month: September 2023

Growing Concern of TTB Closure during Potential Government Shutdown

September 22, 2023 - WWI News

As disagreement in Congress remains over federal government funding, there is growing concern the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) could face closure during a potential government shutdown as early as October 1, 2023. The Washington Wine Institute would like to remind Washington State wineries to prepare in the event Congress does not reach an agreement in time to avoid a full federal government shutdown.
 
To be extra cautious, WWI is urging wineries to file any mandatory applications for labels, permit amendments, export certificates and other TTB needs prior to September 30. Under a government shutdown, the TTB would be closed except for very limited activities related to the protection of life and property. For more information, click here to read Wine Institute‘s news alert.

WWI Working to Help Modernize Outdoor Seating Rules for Wineries

September 1, 2023 - WWI News

The Washington Wine Institute (WWI) submitted comments to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) recommending updates to outdoor seating allowances for wineries after SB 5448 was signed into law following the 2023 legislative session. WWI comments to the LCB, which is a part of the larger rulemaking effort taking place now to implement SB 5448, focuses on changes to WAC 314-03-205 that currently allows on-premise licensees to have access to demarcations instead of permanent barriers if seating is located in a public space. These include:

• Improvements and changes to the rules that will ensure all on premise licensees are clearly authorized to utilize more modern, barrier-free outdoor alcohol service.

• Simplifying the rules to allow for both privately and publicly owned spaces the use of demarcations instead of permanent barriers for outdoor service.

• Allowing for licensees to share outdoor areas with non-licensees, provided the non-licensee acknowledges they may be held equally responsible for any liquor law violations.

This rulemaking work is in the first phase of the LCB’s process, known as a CR 101, and we expect to work directly with their team on rule language up to the next step in the process (CR 102) when draft rule language is released for comment. We will keep our members informed on how this work is coming along and opportunities to provide comment on the draft rules when that window of time opens this fall.

Les Collines Vineyard

September 27, 2023 - Featured Grower

Named Les Collines after the French meaning ‘the foothills’ the vineyard lies at the base of the Blue Mountains in Walla Walla, Washington.  Les Collines produces 13 different varietals and sells fruit to approximately 40 premium wineries in Washington and Oregon.

Source Les Collines Vineyard