MN HF2459

Creates a new on-sale wine educator license issued by the commissioner to wine educators meeting requirements in sections 340A.402 and 340A.409.

License costs $250 annually per wine educator and $50 per permit for each employee pouring wine.

Wine educators may purchase wine at retail and serve wine for educational tastings up to five ounces per hour per person, for a maximum of three hours per class per day.

All events require advance registration with no walk-in public access permitted; political subdivisions may adopt ordinances prohibiting wine education.

Licensees must hold certification such as certified specialist of wine, Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma, certified sommelier status, or completion of a wine industry program at a technical college or culinary school, plus a valid TIPS certificate.