An ABC licensee would need a tasting permit in order to provide samples of alcoholic beverages. A licensee may apply for a tasting permit from the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) by filing a completed Tasting Permit Application.

The following licensees may apply for a tasting permit:

• Manufacturers;
• Wholesalers;
• Off-premises retailer’s class A or B;
• Full-service grocery stores that meet the requirements of section 303 (c)(1), (2), and (3) of DC Official Code Title 25 to utilize a portion of licensed premises for the tasting of products as listed in subsection 303(c); or
• Private collectors.

Samples may be provided in the following quantities:

• 12 ounces of beer;
• 6 ounces of wine; and
• 3 ounces of spirits.

Samples may be provided to the following:

• A retailer is permitted to provide samples to customers in a designated location on its licensed premises from 7 am-midnight, seven days a week..
• A manufacturer is permitted to provide samples to customers in a designated location on its licensed premises from 8 am-midnight, seven days a week.
• A wholesaler can only provide samples of products to staff or other licensees at a designated common area of a warehouse where the wholesaler is a tenant during approved hours of operation.  A wholesaler cannot provide samples to the public.
• A private collector can conduct tastings that are not open to the public at a designated common area of a storage facility where the private collector is a tenant.

The annual cost of the permit is $130.00. The permit is valid for 3 years.

Review complete tasting permit requirements and qualifications in section 118 of DC Official Code 25.

Follow the instructions and complete the form below to apply for a tasting permit. 

Forms can be returned by email, mail or in person to ABCA's office:

• Email
• 2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 400 South, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20009