(1) What is the purpose of the rules governing the use of alcohol in sports/entertainment facilities?

(a) In RCW 66.24.570, the legislature established a spirits, beer, and wine license for arenas, coliseums, stadiums, or other facilities where sporting, entertainment, and special events are presented.

(b) These rules provide a framework for the enforcement of liquor laws and regulations, particularly those prohibiting the sale of alcohol to persons under twenty-one years of age or persons who are apparently intoxicated.

(c) This framework recognizes the unique conditions associated with events attended by large crowds consisting of diverse age groups.

(2) Will the liquor and cannabis board recognize the differences between types of sports/entertainment facilities; professional sports/entertainment facilities, amateur sporting facilities, and racetracks? Yes. A sports/entertainment facility must submit an operating plan, which must be approved by the board prior to the issuance of a license. All plans are required to meet the minimum standards outlined in WAC 314-02-058. The board will take into consideration the unique features of each facility when approving an operating plan, including the seating accommodations, eating facilities, and circulation patterns. The board will allow proration of the sports/entertainment license fees under certain conditions:

(a) The licensee is an amateur sports organization; or

(b) The licensee is a racetrack that meets specific criteria.

(3) Amateur sports organizations must meet the following criteria:

(a) Season length must not be more than three months, with an additional month allowed for playoffs if applicable (requests/approval for any additional months must be made on a case-by-case basis). The venue must remain closed for the remainder of the year.

(b) Must comply with all elements contained in WAC 314-02-056 through 314-02-059.

(c) Must provide proof of amateur status.

(d) Must provide a statement regarding removal/disposal of alcohol inventory at the end of the season.

(e) Seating capacity of the venue may not exceed five thousand.

(4) Racetracks must meet the following criteria:

(a) Must be a seasonal operation of two quarters or less (requests/approval for any additional quarters must be made on a case-by-case basis).

(b) Seating capacity of the venue may not exceed five thousand.

(c) Maximum number of race days allowed per week is two.

(d) Per RCW 66.24.010(9) a motor sports facility is required to enforce a program reasonably calculated to prevent alcohol or alcoholic beverages not purchased within the facility from entering the facility and such program must be approved by the local law enforcement agency. A copy of this program showing the local law enforcement approval must be submitted to the board's licensing division.