At the beginning of December, Rep. Larry Springer got an e-mail from John Bagge, a Kirkland resident and fellow small business owner. John owns a catering company called Twelve Baskets. He caters weddings, bar mitzvahs, and business events, sometimes two or three days long.
And John had a problem.
Under state law, John could serve alcohol at catering events, but not provide it. He had to contract with someone else to provide all the alcohol. This was a pain for consumer, a pain for caterers and bad for their business. Both John and Rep. Springer thought this rule didn’t make much sense. If catering companies can prepare and serve all the food, why not all the drinks?
Rep. Springer set about to change this problem. Making sure to do the necessary legwork, he met with the State Liquor Control Board. They agreed that catering companies should be able to apply for liquor licenses.
So, Rep. Springer introduced a bill at the beginning of the legislative session, HB 2680, to allow catering companies to obtain liquor licenses. After passing both the House and the Senate in this short, 60 day, legislative session, HB 2680 was signed by the governor.
Thanks to the hard work and cooperation of John Bagge, Rep. Springer and the Liquor Control Board, caterers across the state can now provide and serve alcohol at events they cater. Streamlining the process makes less hassle for consumers and increases profits for small business. Way to go!
The whole process took about 3.5 months from start to finish. Now how’s that for efficiency?