(1) The licenses issuable under this chapter are as follows:

     (a) A wholesaler's license.

     (b) A retailer's license.

     (2) Application for the licenses shall be made through the master license system under chapter 19.02 RCW. The board shall adopt rules regarding the regulation of the licenses. The board may refrain from the issuance of any license under this chapter if the board has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant has wilfully withheld information requested for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the applicant to receive a license, or if the board has reasonable cause to believe that information submitted in the application is false or misleading or is not made in good faith. In addition, for the purpose of reviewing an application for a wholesaler's license or retailer's license and for considering the denial, suspension, or revocation of any such license, the board may consider any prior criminal conduct of the applicant, including an administrative violation history record with the board and a criminal history record information check within the previous five years, in any state, tribal, or federal jurisdiction in the United States, its territories, or possessions, and the provisions of RCW 9.95.240 and chapter 9.96A RCW shall not apply to such cases. The board may, in its discretion, grant or refuse the wholesaler's license or retailer's license, subject to the provisions of RCW 82.24.550.

     (3) No person may qualify for a wholesaler's license or a retailer's license under this section without first undergoing a criminal background check. The background check shall be performed by the board and must disclose any criminal conduct within the previous five years in any state, tribal, or federal jurisdiction in the United States, its territories, or possessions. A person who possesses a valid license on July 22, 2001, is subject to this subsection and subsection (2) of this section beginning on the date of the person's master license expiration, and thereafter. If the applicant or licensee also has a license issued under chapter 66.24 or 82.26 RCW, the background check done under the authority of chapter 66.24 or 82.26 RCW satisfies the requirements of this section.

     (4) Each such license shall expire on the master license expiration date, and each such license shall be continued annually if the licensee has paid the required fee and complied with all the provisions of this chapter and the rules of the board made pursuant thereto.

     (5) Each license and any other evidence of the license that the board requires must be exhibited in each place of business for which it is issued and in the manner required for the display of a master license.

[2009 c 154 § 1; 2001 c 235 § 8; 1986 c 321 § 5.]

NOTES:

     Intent -- Finding -- 2001 c 235: See RCW 43.06.450.

     Policy -- Intent -- Savings -- Effective date -- 1986 c 321: See notes following RCW 82.24.500.