OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) is testing a year-long pilot program that allows wine and beer tasting in 30 grocery stores across Washington.

Participating stores may have 12 tastings during the pilot program, which runs from Oct. 1, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2009.

A store is limited to one tasting a month and must conduct a minimum of six tastings during the pilot.

Beer and wine samples must be two ounces or less, and customers can have up to a total of four ounces.

PDF: Tentative List Of 30 Stores

Store employees will observe all tasting participants in a designated tasting area and employees who are involved in the tastings must complete a WSLCB alcohol server training program.

In June 2008, the WSLCB invited grocery stores to send in a letter if they wanted to participate in the pilot.

The 30 participating stores are made up of 15 stores from four nationally-known grocery chains and 15 independently-owned stores.

The grocery store chains were asked to select which stores would participate.

The public can send comments, questions or concerns about the pilot to the WSLCB via e-mail at tastingpilot@liq.wa.gov.