Senators support bill to create new instructional tasting license

A bill to create a new instructional tasting license moving forward on the session floor this week. 

Bill 338 would allow qualified off-sale retailers to offer wine or beer tastings to customers before they actually make the purchase. 

“I’m looking forward to this. I think its going to be something fun for all of us to enjoy and hopefully successful for these entrepreneurs who are taking a gamble on doing this on Guam,” said Speaker Therese Terlaje. 

Main sponsor Spkr. Therese Terlaje said Guam's existing alcohol licenses do not cover a hybrid model that allows for businesses to both sell and offer tastings on the same premises. 

“This bill would fill that gap, creating a new niche in our local economy. Essentially this bill only has the potential to open new business opportunities but can potentially stimulate our local economy as well,” said Terlaje. 

Local businesses like breweries, wineries, wine boutiques and wine shops would be permitted to provide customers an educational experience that promotes responsible consumption and appreciation, like a tasting event. 

Overall, the bipartisan bill was met with support from colleagues during session Thursday.

Senator Telo Taitague is a cosponsor, and she said, “We all know that sometimes these events allow for an opportunity to provide a charity event. They help those who are trying to raise money for non-profit organizations.”

“Many times when people who buy a bottle of wine they end up buying a whole bottle then finding out it's not the kind of wine they like so they end up dumping it out. This also helps the consumer in finding the kind of wine that they like,” added Taitague. 

The measure is expected to be up for a vote in the coming days.