HMMMM... interesting.

[dSculptor]

Just read this in the morning paper... http://www.cbs58.com/story/28077914/bill-could-allow-samples-of-hard-liquor-at-grocery-stores.

[squire]

I think it's a good idea. Helps local producers showcase their wares and helps consumers make an informed decision.

[BigBoldBully]

Comically sad to read about the “worries” and “concerns” of “some shoppers . . . about the consequences of free ‘mini-shots.’” OMG, essentially exclaims one quoted source, this would be “having people coming into stores drinking and leaving right after, presumably driving.”

We are talking about a limit of one 1/2 oz sample per customer during a visit (1/3 of a shot), which contains no more alcohol than the grocery stores are already permitted to give out in the form of little cups of wine, with apparently no uproar.

Seems like a lingering taboo against spirits as the devil’s drink, too strong for sinners to be trusted with. Imagine how different biases would be if the Catholic churches traditionally gave out a little whiskey at communion instead of wine. Thanks to the taboo, I know of quite a few alcoholics who convince themselves they do not actually have a problem since they “only drink beer, not that hard stuff.”

So let’s keep prohibiting small samples at grocery stores that would allow people make a more informed purchase. Meanwhile, the bars dotting every block (and outnumbering grocery stores at least 5 to 1) continue to flourish, where often people go in to have a drink and leave “right after, presumably driving.” But maybe I am wrong--I confess to not really knowing much about bars these days. From the concerned shopper’s remarks, I deduce there are currently something like 1/4 oz. limits in those places.

Chuck, have you done a blog entry on this topic before?

[Richnimrod]

I don't think it's strictly legal Michigan; but I know a couple places that will allow a bit of sampling when nobody's looking. ...Especially if you buy the bottle first, then offer a taste to the 'owner/manager'. Great way to build a friendship, too.

[Flyfish]

In the old Royal Navy (late 18th century to mid-19th) sailors were issued a daily ration of grog--a mixture of water and rum at a 4:1 ratio with lime or lemon juice to combat scurvy. Punishment for minor infractions (not warranting actually flogging) included diluting the rum 6:1. The sailor still got the same half pint of rum a day but he felt punished because there was more water added to it. (This may be analogous to SBers who feel that their bourbon is "watered down" if it has even a drop of water added.)

[GaryT]

We just got Sunday sales in Georgia, so seems like a long way from reality here - but I think it is a great idea.

[P&MLiquorsEric]

Allowed here in KY with a sampling license with wine and liquor. Only during certain hours and 1/4 of an ounce samples.

[chooch714]

Samples? Where da samples at?

[Harry in WashDC]

WashDC does allow samples, but not all stores participate at the beer or spirits level. Wine samples, however, are common. The stores offering spirits tasting do it on a case-by-case basis -- no open bottles out front at a little table like with wine, but they may offer you a sample in the "back" room. IN SUM: Ask if you can taste whatever they have open, but if you don't ask, they may not offer so you'll never know.

[smokinjoe]

Comically sad to read about the “worries†and “concerns†of “some shoppers . . . about the consequences of free ‘mini-shots.’†OMG, essentially exclaims one quoted source, this would be “having people coming into stores drinking and leaving right after, presumably driving.â€

We are talking about a limit of one 1/2 oz sample per customer during a visit (1/3 of a shot), which contains no more alcohol than the grocery stores are already permitted to give out in the form of little cups of wine, with apparently no uproar.

Seems like a lingering taboo against spirits as the devil’s drink, too strong for sinners to be trusted with. Imagine how different biases would be if the Catholic churches traditionally gave out a little whiskey at communion instead of wine. Thanks to the taboo, I know of quite a few alcoholics who convince themselves they do not actually have a problem since they “only drink beer, not that hard stuff.â€

So let’s keep prohibiting small samples at grocery stores that would allow people make a more informed purchase. Meanwhile, the bars dotting every block (and outnumbering grocery stores at least 5 to 1) continue to flourish, where often people go in to have a drink and leave “right after, presumably driving.†But maybe I am wrong--I confess to not really knowing much about bars these days. From the concerned shopper’s remarks, I deduce there are currently something like 1/4 oz. limits in those places.

Chuck, have you done a blog entry on this topic before?

B3, I think the concern here is for the children. Since this proposal includes grocery stores, mommy may think she's getting samples of a new flavor of Hi-C or Capri Sun, because she just overheard a couple of guys talking in the organic yogurt section about the crazy good juice samples they just had...so she goes and gets a sample of that and unknowingly gives high proof alcohol to Junior...

[BigBoldBully]

B3, I think the concern here is for the children. Since this proposal includes grocery stores, mommy may think she's getting samples of a new flavor of Hi-C or Capri Sun, because she just overheard a couple of guys talking in the organic yogurt section about the crazy good juice samples they just had...so she goes and gets a sample of that and unknowingly gives high proof alcohol to Junior...

You may not be far off, smokinjoe. In the grocery store I frequent, the booze area is adjacent to the produce area, and they set up the table with wine samples just on the produce side of things near the liquor entrance. Kind of an annoying placement. But for some reason I assumed the whiskey would be dispensed more on a per request basis, inside the liquor area itself. In reality, they will probably have a table full of little cups of Knob Creek and a sign: "Try Some of this Juice to Get Loose!"

Or worse, samples of "Stagg Jr." that are sure to deceive the uninitiated parents as badly as that father at a baseball game who bought his son a "Mike's Lemonade."

[kcgumbohead]

B3, I think the concern here is for the children. Since this proposal includes grocery stores, mommy may think she's getting samples of a new flavor of Hi-C or Capri Sun, because she just overheard a couple of guys talking in the organic yogurt section about the crazy good juice samples they just had...so she goes and gets a sample of that and unknowingly gives high proof alcohol to Junior...

Bring on the samples and let natural selection run its course!!