House of Representatives

HB 2556

sampling; alcohol; off-sale retailer

Sponsors: Representatives Cheuvront, Weason: Maiorana, May, et al

X	Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
	Caucus and COW
	Third Read
	As Passed the House

HB 2556 allows membership-only and retail liquor stores to offer samples of spirituous liquor, wine and beer.

History

Current law allows businesses with on-sale licenses to provide sampling of spirituous liquor, wine and beer while under the supervision of the sponsoring producer or wholesaler. Sampling is limited to 12 ounces of beer/cooler products, six ounces of wine, or two ounces of distilled spirits per person, per brand.

There is no allowance for businesses with off-sale licenses to provide sampling on the premises to customers. By definition, an off-sale retailer is any person selling spirituous liquor in an established retail liquor store, or a retail store selling other commodities. The spirituous liquor is sold only in the original unbroken package, to be consumed off the premises [A.R.S 4-101].

HB 2556 allows off-sale retailers to provide on-premise samples to customers, if all conditions are met.

Provisions

· Authorizes off-sale retailers to provide spirituous liquor, beer or wine samples to customers. The retailers must be either membership-only stores or liquor stores [Class 9 liquor license] where at least 75% of the net sales are attributed to combined spirituous liquor and beer.

· All sampling must be under the supervision of the producer or wholesaler.

· Limits the amounts to a total of 1/2 ounce distilled spirits, or 3 ounces wine per person.

· Requires all sampling to be conducted in a designated roped-off area. For membership-only retailers, the sampling area must be at least 75 feet from the main entrance.

· Allows only one producer or wholesaler on the premises at a time, and requires complete removal of the samples prior to final departure.

· Establishes parameters for underage persons.

· Requires those conducting the sampling to complete a training program approved by the Liquor Department.

· Prescribes the limitations with respect to gifts and benefits.

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· 45th Legislature

· Second Regular Session 2 February 11, 2002

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