Wine and beer tasting in grocery stores? What do you think about that?

Starting on Oct. 1, the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) is starting a pilot program allowing 30 grocery stores to have wine and beer tastings. Out of the 30 stores participating, 15 are independently owned and 15 are chain stores.

From the list of independently owned stores, the West Seattle Thirftway is the only one in the city of Seattle. The list of specific chain stores hasn't been released yet, but will include seven Safeway stores, five Fred Meyer/QFC stores, two Haggen/Top Foods stores and one Albertsons store.

As part of the program, the stores must conduct a minimum of six tastings and up to 12 tastings total. The wine and beer samples must be two ounces or less and each customer may have up to four ounces total. Food must be available to customers, who must be 21 and over and not visibly intoxicated.

The pilot program runs until Sept. 30, 2009. What's your take on this idea? If you have any comments about this trial run, the WSLCB wants to hear from you: tastingpilot@liq.wa.gov.

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