A bipartisan bill from state Rep. Kevin Waters that would allow short-term rental operators to acquire permits to offer their guests complimentary wine upon arrival, overwhelmingly cleared the state House on Friday.
House Bill 1731, which creates an annual $75 permit issued by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board would help the hospitality industry, such as individuals who rent properties through Airbnb, by paving the way for short-term renters to build positive relationships with their guests through a friendly gesture.
“People who offer short-term rentals may be unintentionally violating the law if they leave a complimentary bottle of wine for guests,” said Waters, R-Stevenson. “Many of these rental operators are already doing this but are unaware they are breaking the law.”
Currently, bed-and-breakfast facilities in Washington are allowed to provide guests with complimentary wine via a separate $75 permit from the state liquor board. House Bill 1731 would give this same privilege to short-term rental operators.
There would be around 300 operators eligible for the permit each year and the fees collected would go to the state’s tourism marketing account.
“This bill is a way to help short-term rental operators trying to do a nice thing for guests by providing a service,” added Waters. “Rental guests appreciate the gesture, and it helps the hospitality industry in Washington. It also supports the state’s service and tourism industries and introduces people to some of the best wine in the world.
“This bill would allow short-term rental operators to promote that reputation while preventing them from breaking the law, which is more common than one might think,” said Waters.
The bill, which passed 90-7 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
# # #