OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A bill that would raise fees for liquor licenses narrowly survived a vote in the Washington state Legislature.

Senators voted 25-24 on Thursday, April 17 to move SB 5786, now in its second substituted version, back to the House for approval.

If it’s passed into law, fees for liquor licenses, special permits and similar applications could be raised as much as 50%.

Proponents argue that raising the rates would help bring in over $18 million over the next two years. The revenue generated from the updated fees would help bridge a multi-billion-dollar budget gap.

But opponents argue that small businesses, particularly craft breweries and distilleries, would have their revenues decimated.

The bill must pass both chambers before the Legislative session ends on April 27.