FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1124

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

No person may sell or distribute beer or wine without a license from the Liquor Control Board (Board), and licenses are divided into two categories: those for on-premises consumption and off-premises consumption. The Board issues many types of liquor licenses permitting the service of beer and wine for on-premises consumption, including beer and/or wine restaurants, taverns, night clubs, and breweries and microbreweries.

In general, no person, even a licensee, may serve any alcoholic beverage free of charge. There are several exceptions, including farmers markets, wineries, and grocery stores in which the licensee is specifically authorized to serve samples; however, but not all licensees have such an exception. Licensees permitted to serve samples are limited to serving samples no larger than 2 ounces, up to a total of 2 to 4 ounces per day, depending on the license. Some licenses do not have a limit.

Summary:

Any licensee authorized to serve wine or beer on tap for on-premises consumption may serve samples of beer and wine free of charge. Samples must be 2 ounces or smaller, and licensees may provide a maximum of 4 ounces of samples per customer per day.

Licensed domestic wineries, grocery stores, beer and wine specialty shops, and qualifying farmers markets that are already permitted for sampling and tasting are exempt.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	93	5
Senate	44	5	(Senate amended)
House	93	3	(House concurred)