Sampling Law Desk

Illinois Alcohol Sampling and Tasting Laws

Last checked: November 6, 2026 (ILCC application form and statute 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" is a supervised presentation at an off-premise licensed retailer. Only ILCC-registered products may be poured: distilled spirits one-quarter ounce, wine one ounce, beer two ounces.
  • A tasting must be done by a licensee or a registered tasting representative. A non-licensee (such as an agency) applies for the State of Illinois Tasting Representative License. The application must reach the ILCC at least 14 days before the first tasting.
  • Employees of the host retailer pouring in their own store do not need the Tasting Representative License.
  • Illinois' BASSET server-training law excludes "a registered tasting representative ... conducting a tasting."

Verify

current form version and filing method with the ILCC.

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.