AB 344

Under current law, with limited exceptions, no person may sell alcohol

beverages to a consumer unless the seller possesses a license or permit authorizing

the sale. A Class "A" license authorizes the retail sale of fermented malt beverages

(beer), in original packages, for consumption off the licensed premises. A "Class A"

license authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor, including wine, in original

packages, for consumption off the licensed premises.

Current law authorizes a Class "A" licensed retailer, under its retail license, to

provide taste samples of beer on the Class "A" licensed premises, subject to various

restrictions. Current law also contains an exception to the license or permit

requirement allowing a "Class A" licensed retailer to provide wine taste samples on

the "Class A" licensed premises, subject to various restrictions.

This bill authorizes a "Class A" licensed retailer, under its retail license, to

provide taste samples of intoxicating liquor that is not wine (distilled spirits) on its

"Class A" licensed premises. Taste samples of distilled spirits may not exceed three,

0.5 fluid ounce taste samples per person per day and may be provided only between

the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The bill also specifies that representatives of

intoxicating liquor manufacturers, rectifiers, wineries, or out-of-state shippers may

assist the "Class A" retailer in dispensing or serving these taste samples of distilled

spirits, but wholesalers may not assist or participate in providing taste samples of

either distilled spirits or wine.