Washington state grocers to offer wine/beer tastings

OLYMPIA, Washington The Washington State Liquor Control Board has launched a yearlong pilot program that will allow wine and beer tasting in 30 grocery stores in the state. Participating stores, which include seven Safeway and five Fred Meyer/QFC stores, will be permitted to hold 12 tastings on premises during the period between Oct. 1 and Sept. 30, 2009.

The Washington State Liquor Control Board said it will document the findings, including comments and complaints about the pilot and then submit a report to the state legislature on Dec. 1, 2009.