Guam has enacted a new law that establishes a specific alcoholic beverage license for limited wine and beer tastings. Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio signed Speaker Therese Terlaje’s Bill 338-37 into law on Friday, introducing the concept of “instructional tasting” as an addition to the existing types of alcoholic beverage licenses on the island.
The newly created instructional tasting license permits licensees to offer small samples of wine or beer at designated venues such as breweries, wineries, wine boutiques, or wine shops. In his message to the Legislature accompanying the newly signed Public Law 37-128, Tenorio emphasized that the bill includes safeguards aimed at preventing underage drinking. He noted that it also incorporates specific requirements for tasting events to ensure they do not compete with traditional establishments like bars and restaurants.
Under the law, the instructional tasting license will only be available to businesses that hold an off-sale retail license. Furthermore, the tasting license can only be utilized at the location specified in the retail license. Participants in these tasting events will be limited to a maximum of three 6-ounce glasses of wine or beer, illustrating the regulations established by the law.
The annual cost for the instructional tasting license is set at $500. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is tasked with developing the necessary procedures and, if deemed necessary, creating rules and regulations to implement this law within 120 days.
Terlaje’s bill is among the first measures passed by the senators recently and has garnered support from both local businesses and consumers. Tenorio highlighted the law’s benefits, stating it provides residents and tourists access to events where they can explore new beverages, including unique offerings from Guam.
“This new type of license allows local businesses to expand their customer base and diversify their product offerings based on customer feedback and experiences,” Tenorio said, stressing the importance of public safety standards in tasting events.
Support for the bill was voiced during a public hearing in September, with local restaurateur Brian Artero noting its potential to invigorate Guam’s local food scene. Additionally, the Department of Revenue and Taxation endorsed the measure.
Currently, Guam has 215 general off-sale licensees, along with 53 licenses for beer, 10 for wine, and four for microbreweries, according to the Department of Revenue and Taxation.
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