711 RETAIL PERMITS FOR SAMPLING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

711.1 The holder of a Wholesaler's licenses, Class A or B, Manufacturer's License, Class A, B, or C, or an Off-premises Retailer's License, Class A or B, may utilize a portion of the licensed premises for the sampling of alcoholic beverages. Containers of alcoholic beverages used for sampling purposes shall be labeled as such and may not be sold.

711.2 No licensee may use any portion of the licensed premises for the sampling of alcoholic beverages without a permit issued by the Board. A request for a permit shall be in writing and shall:

1. (a) Include a diagram of the premises indicating the areas where the sampling is to take place; and
2. (b) State the hours and days during which the sampling is to take place.

711.3 A permit issued under this section shall be valid for three (3) years. The permit shall expire on the same date as the applicant's Wholesaler's, Manufacturer's, or Off-premises Retailer's License.

711.4 The annual fee for a permit issued under this section shall be one hundred thirty dollars ($130). Payment shall be made at the same time that the second and third year fees or renewal fees are due.

711.5 The holder of a permit issued under this section shall be authorized to provide to one (1) customer in any one (1) day samples that do not exceed the following quantities:

1. (a) Three ounces (3 oz.) of spirits;
2. (b) Six ounces (6 oz.) of wine; and
3. (c) Twelve ounces (12 oz.) of beer.

711.6 Unless otherwise restricted by Board order or settlement agreement:

1. (a) The holder of an Off-premises Retailer's License, Class A or B, may hold public tastings during the hours it is permitted to sell and serve alcoholic beverages;
2. (b) The holder of a Manufacturer's License, Class A, B, or C, possessing a tasting permit may hold public tastings between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., seven (7)

days a week; and

(c) The holder of a Wholesaler's License, Class A or B, possessing a tasting permit may hold tastings between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., seven (7) days a week; provided that the tastings are:

(1) Not open to the public;

(2) For purposes of educating staff and introducing products to licensees; and

(3) Limited to the following:

(A) Retailers;

(B) Manufacturers;

(C) Temporary and festival license holders;

(D) Solicitors; and

(E) Wholesaler staff.

711.7 Private collectors may obtain a tasting permit from the Board to conduct tastings in accordance with D.C. Official Code § 25-118(g), provided that the tastings are not open to the public. The private tastings may be held between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., seven (7) days a week.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 35 DCR 4947 (June 24, 1988); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 4309 (April 30, 2004); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 12991 (December 26, 2008 – Part 2); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 60 DCR 11580 (August 9, 2013); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 14479 (December 11, 2020).