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DrugScreening.org


 
Public Opinion Sought on Grocery Store Alcohol Tastings
August 15, 2008

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News Summary

Washington state officials are seeking public comments on a controversial pilot program in which 30 grocery stores will be allowed to conduct wine and beer tastings for customers, the Seattle Times reported Aug. 13.

State legislators in this year's session approved the one-year pilot program, which is scheduled to begin Oct. 1. Supporters see the events as a good product promotion opportunity for beer and wine makers, while opponents think the drinking activity does not belong in family-friendly supermarkets.

The pilot program is scheduled to be conducted under strict regulations, with customers limited to four ounces of consumption and individual samples being no larger than two ounces. Consumption will take place in a designated area from which store employees can guard against alcohol use by underage individuals or intoxicated persons.

In addition, state liquor enforcement officers will attend the first tasting tastings in each store and will revisit unannounced other times to monitor the events. The state liquor board in December 2009 will report on the pilot, and will include in its analysis any comments or complaints from the public.

Editor's note: The following additional source was used in this article: KING5.com (August 13, 2008). 

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by lifelover. on 26 Aug 08 01:12 PM EDT
I agree with Sharon. The grocery store is a place to buy food with your family. It is not a place to be getting intoxicated while children are watching. There are already posters and signs around the stores about alcohol; why do we now need to bring it in and allow people to be drinking it? Buy the wine or beer and taste it at home!

Posted by Waterdog on 18 Aug 08 11:41 AM EDT
I think the biggest complaint the drinking public will have is that they just don't satisfy their appetites with only four ounces and many will end up at the bar on their way home from the early tasting that they normally would reserve until they get home. Either that or they'll pop the top off that newly purchased bottle of wine to grab a couple of swigs because it was just so darned good at the supermarket! I wonder if there was alchohol served at the legislature the day these proposals were enacted.

Posted by Sharon on 18 Aug 08 11:38 AM EDT
Insanity. Alcohol displays have alresdy taken over most of the supermarket isles and end displays. This move adds to the self destructive mode of this country.It teaches young children that alcohol is OK in every activity of the day

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