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:
- 2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 400 South, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20009
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