Walker signs bill allowing Wisconsin grocery stores to offer free liquor samples

The Associated Press
April 8, 2015 at 9:52PM
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker talks to people at his table before President Barack Obama arrives to speaks to members of the National Governors Association, Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, in the State Dining Room of White House in Washington. As they gather in Washington, many of the nation's Republican governors are blaming President Barack Obama for a budget standoff that threatens a potential Department of Homeland Security shutdown. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

MADISON, Wis. — Samples of hard alcohol will soon be offered at liquor and grocery stores in Wisconsin under a bill Gov. Scott Walker has signed into law.

The Distilled Spirits Council announced Wednesday that Walker had signed the measure in a private ceremony. The measure easily passed the Legislature with bipartisan support.

Retailers with liquor licenses will be able to offer customers no more than one half-ounce of booze, the equivalent of a third of a shot.

State law already permits stores to offer beer and wine samples. Supporters of the bill say offering the free samples will help distilleries and other liquor sellers compete with breweries and winemakers.

The Distilled Spirits Council says 46 states now allow for some form of liquor sampling.

about the writer

about the writer