This guidance clarifies the rules regarding alcoholic beverage tastings, which allow alcoholic beverages manufacturers, wholesalers, and brokers (industry members) to present and serve alcoholic beverages to consumers for market research, education, product promotion, or flavor determination.
Requirements
Industry members may conduct tastings at retail locations licensed for on- or off-premises consumption and at unlicensed locations under the following guidelines:
Quantity Limits per Consumer
- Alcoholic liquor: Up to two Β½-ounce tastes per brand
- Wine: Up to two 1-ounce tastes per brand
- Beer or high alcoholic content beer: Up to two 2-ounce tastes per brand
- Mixed drinks or cocktails: Up to two 2-ounce tastes per brand
Prohibited Activities
Industry members conducting tastings are prohibited from:
- Serving a taste to a consumer who is under legal age, intoxicated, or simulating intoxication.
- Allowing individuals under 18 years of age to serve a taste.
- Serving tastes of other industry members' brands of alcoholic beverages.
Tastings at Licensed Premises
- Tastings must be limited to alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the licensed premises.
- Tastings must occur during hours when alcoholic beverages may be legally sold or served.
- Snack foods or hors d'oeuvres may be offered.
- Alcoholic beverages or food must be either provided by the industry member or purchased at no more than the ordinary retail price from the licensed premises.
- Any remaining alcoholic beverages or food must be removed by the industry member at the end of the tasting.
Tastings at Unlicensed Premises
- Tastings of wine, beer, or high alcoholic content beer may be conducted in unlicensed public places unless prohibited by Iowa Code section 123.46(2) or local regulations.
- Tastings of alcoholic liquor are prohibited in unlicensed public places.
- Tastings of all alcoholic beverages may be conducted in unlicensed private places.
- Alcoholic beverages must be obtained from the respective wholesaler.
- Snack foods or hors d'oeuvres may be offered.
- Any remaining alcoholic beverages or food must be removed by the industry member at the end of the tasting.
Record-Keeping
Industry members must maintain records in compliance with rule 701β1003.16(123).
Compliance and Enforcement
Failure to comply with Iowaβs tasting regulations may result in administrative penalties, including civil fines, license suspension, or revocation. Industry members should review their tasting practices to ensure compliance with state regulations.