D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 23, r. 23-208

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 44, November 1, 2024

Rule 23-208 - TASTING PERMITS FOR SAMPLING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

208.1

The holder of an off-premises retailer's license, class A or B who is issued a tasting permit may utilize a portion of the licensed premises for the sampling of alcoholic beverages, during its hours of sales and service unless restricted by Board order or settlement agreement.

208.2

The holder of an off-premises retailer's license, class AI, who is issued a tasting permit may use a portion of the licensed premises for the sampling of authorized alcoholic beverages during its hours of sales and service; provided that the tastings are:

(a) Not open to the public; and

(b) Limited to temporary and festival license holders and caterers.

208.3

The holder of an off-premises retailer's license, class BI, who is issued a tasting permit may use a portion of the licensed premises for the sampling of wine and beer during its hours of sales and service; provided that the tastings are:

(a) Not open to the public; and

(b) Limited to temporary and festival license holders.

208.4

The holder of a manufacturer's license, class A, B, or C, who is issued a tasting permit may utilize a portion of the licensed premises for the sampling of authorized alcoholic beverages between the hours set forth in D.C. Official Code § 25-118(e).

208.5

The holder of a wholesaler's license, class A or B, who is issued a tasting permit may utilize a portion of the licensed premises for the sampling of authorized alcoholic beverages, between the hours set forth in D.C. Official Code § 25-118(f) (1) provided that the tastings are:

(a) Not open to the public;

(b) For the purpose of educating staff and introducing products to licensees; and

(c) Limited to the following:

(1) Retailers;

(2) Manufacturers;

(3) Temporary and festival license holders;

(4) Solicitors; and

(5) Wholesaler staff.

208.6

The holder of an off-premises retailer's license, class AI or BI, or wholesaler's license, class A or B, or a private collector, who is issued a tasting permit may also offer samplings of alcoholic beverages at a designated common area in a storage facility, provided that the licensee is a tenant of the storage facility and the tastings are closed to the public.

208.7

No licensee may offer the sampling of alcoholic beverages without obtaining a tasting permit from the Board. A request for a tasting permit shall be in writing and shall:

(a) State in detail the type of beverages to be offered in the sampling;

(b) Include drawings of the premises indicating the areas where the sampling is to take place; and

(c) State the hours and days during which the sampling is to take place.

208.8

Containers of alcoholic beverages used for sampling purposes shall be labeled as such and may not be sold.

208.9

A tasting permit issued under this section shall be valid for no longer than three

(3) years. The permit shall expire on the same date as the applicant's retailer's, wholesaler's, or manufacturer's license.

208.10

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

(a) Three ounces (3 oz.) of spirits;

(b) Six ounces (6 oz.) of wine; and

(c) Twelve ounces (12 oz.) of beer.

208.11

Notwithstanding § 208.10, a private collector who holds a tasting permit may offer samplings greater than six ounces (6 oz.) of wine; provided that the private collector does not serve the customer more than one two-ounce (2 oz.) sampling at a time.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 23, r. 23-208

Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 4309 (April 30, 2004); as amended by D.C. ACT 15-442 published at 51 DCR 6525 (July 2, 2004); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 12991 (December 26, 2008); as amended by D.C. ACT 17-696 published at 56 DCR 1204, 1207 (February 6, 2009); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 66 DCR 001822 (2/8/2019); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 68 DCR 7421 (7/30/2021)