Overview

A tasting permit allows holders of certain alcoholic beverage licenses to use a portion of the licensed premises for the tasting of alcoholic beverages.

A tasting permit can be issued to a: 

• Manufacturer with a class A, B or C license;
• Retailer with a class A or B license;
• Wholesaler with a class A or B license; or 
• Private collector.

Samples can be provided to an individual in the following quantities in one day: •

• 3 ounces of spirits (class A or C license or private collector); 
• 6 ounces of wines (class A or B license or private collector); and 
• 12 ounces of beer (class A or B license or private collector).

Manufacturers can provide samples to customers from: 8 a.m.-midnight, seven days a week.

Retailers can provide samples to customers from: 7 a.m.-midnight, seven days a week. Wholesalers and private collectors are not permitted to provide tastings to the public. A wholesaler can provide tastings for the purpose of educating staff and introducing products to licensees. Wholesalers and private collectors can only conduct tastings at a designated common area of a warehouse where the wholesaler or private collector is a tenant. Wholesalers can provide samples during the wholesaler’s approved hours of operation. A tasting permit is valid for a three-year period. 

To Apply

Complete all sections of the application. If a section does not apply, write “not applicable”.  

Applications can be submitted by mail, email or in person at ABCA's offices.

Valid Period and Fees

The annual fee for a tasting permit is: $130

An additional $50 inspection fee may be assessed if a permit is applied for after the original license is granted. 

Payment for the permit can be made in the form of a cashier’s check, certified check, business check, attorney’s check, personal check, or money order. A check or money order must be payable to the D.C. Treasurer. Payment may also be made by Visa or MasterCard.