There shall be a license for beer importers that authorizes the licensee to import beer and strong beer purchased from beer certificate of approval holders into the state of Washington. The licensee may also import, from suppliers located outside of the United States, beer and strong beer manufactured outside the United States.

     (1) Beer and strong beer so imported may be sold to licensed beer distributors or exported from the state.

     (2) Every person, firm, or corporation licensed as a beer importer shall establish and maintain a principal office within the state at which shall be kept proper records of all beer and strong beer imported into the state under this license.

     (3) No beer importer's license shall be granted to a nonresident of the state nor to a corporation whose principal place of business is outside the state until such applicant has established a principal office and agent within the state upon which service can be made.

     (4) As a requirement for license approval, a beer importer shall enter into a written agreement with the board to furnish on or before the twentieth day of each month, a report under oath, detailing the quantity of beer and strong beer sold or delivered to each licensed beer distributor. Failure to file such reports may result in the suspension or cancellation of this license.

     (5) Beer and strong beer imported under this license must conform to the provisions of RCW 66.28.120 and have received label approval from the board. The board shall not certify beer or strong beer labeled with names which may be confused with other nonalcoholic beverages whether manufactured or produced from a domestic brewery or imported nor shall it certify beer or strong beer which fails to meet quality standards established by the board.

     (6) The license fee shall be one hundred sixty dollars per year.

[2004 c 160 § 7; 2003 c 167 § 3; 1997 c 321 § 14.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 2004 c 160: See note following RCW 66.04.010.

     Effective date -- 2003 c 167: See note following RCW 66.24.244.

     Report to legislature -- 2003 c 167: See note following RCW 66.24.250.

     Effective date -- 1997 c 321: See note following RCW 66.24.010.