Bill > HB3076

This bill: 1. Defines the term "straw testing" to allow the consumption of a small amount of an alcoholic beverage by licensed employees 21 years of age or older to determine the quality or desired flavor profile of such beverage that has been or will be served to a patron. 2. Permits retail spirits, retail wine, and retail beer licensees to host educational alcoholic beverage training, including tastings, for their employees who are licensed to sell such beverages. The tastings must be supervised, with samples poured by licensed servers, and limited to no more than 12 ounces of beer, 6 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirits per employee per day. Participation in these tastings may be required by the employer, but the choice to consume the alcohol is voluntary. 3. Provides a reduced brand label registration fee of $75 for spirits brands that are produced in small batches (no more than 53 gallons annually). 4. Allows mixed beverage, public event, special event, and on-premises beer and wine licensees to have alcoholic beverages provided by industry members (wholesalers, distributors, brewers, etc.) for the purpose of educational training and tastings, as long as certain conditions are met. 5. Declares an emergency, allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon passage and approval. The overall intent of the bill is to permit and regulate certain alcoholic beverage sampling and training activities for retail and on-premises licensees and their employees.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3076&Session=2400