An Act To Authorize Free Samples of Wine by a Restaurant
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 28-A MRSA §709, sub-§2, ¶¶J and K, as enacted by PL 2011, c. 629, §15, are amended to read:
J. Providing samples authorized under section 1355-A, 1402, 1402-A or 1504; or
K. Donations authorized under section 708-B . ; or
Sec. 2. 28-A MRSA §709, sub-§2, ¶L is enacted to read:
L. Licensees offering complimentary samples of wine under section 1055.
Sec. 3. 28-A MRSA §1055 is enacted to read:
§ 1055. Wine samples at restaurants
1. Wine samples at restaurants. A restaurant, Class A restaurant or Class A restaurant/lounge may offer a complimentary sample of wine to a customer, subject to the following conditions:
A. A sample may not be given to a person under 21 years of age;
B. A person may not be served more than a total of 5 ounces of wine having an alcohol content of 14% or less or more than a total of 3 ounces of wine having an alcohol content greater than 14%;
C. A person who is visibly intoxicated may not be served;
D. The wine sampling must be conducted within the hours of retail sale for liquor established in this Title;
E. The wine sampling must take place on the licensed premises; and
F. Wine served as a wine sample must be purchased from a wholesale licensee.
SUMMARY
This bill allows a restaurant, Class A restaurant or Class A restaurant/lounge to offer complimentary samples of wine to a customer subject to certain conditions.