Sampling Law Desk

District of Columbia Alcohol Sampling and Tasting Laws

Last checked: November 6, 2026 (ABCA page loaded).

This is not legal advice. It is a plain-English summary of public law. Rules change and local governments often add their own. Verify with the state agency linked below before you plan a tasting.
  • A tasting permit lets certain license holders use part of the premises for tastings: manufacturers (class A, B or C), retailers (class A or B), wholesalers (class A or B) and private collectors.
  • Daily per-person limits on the page: 3 ounces of spirits, 6 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer. Retailers may sample from 7 a.m. to midnight. Wholesalers may not offer public tastings. The permit is valid for three years.
  • The page does not say who may pour.

Verify

with ABCA in writing whether agency staff may pour under a retailer's permit.

Official sources

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Not legal advice. Summary of public law as of the date shown. Always confirm with the state agency and your own counsel.