(1) The holder of a spirits retail license that is also a participant in the responsible vendor program, created under RCW 66.24.630, may provide, free or for a charge, single-serving samples of one-half ounce or less of spirits, and no more than a total of one and one-half ounces in spirits samples per person, for the purpose of sale promotion. Servers who provide spirit samples must hold a class 12 alcohol server permit. Sampling conducted under this section must be conducted in accordance with rules established for sampling activities in beer and wine specialty shops and grocery stores.

(2) Sampling activities under this section are subject to RCW 66.28.305 and 66.28.040 and the cost of sampling under this section may not be borne, directly or indirectly, by any manufacturer, importer, distiller, or distributor of spirits.