MS HB973

Authorizes package retailers to sample new products furnished by manufacturer representatives at their place of business.

Establishes temporary tasting permits allowing package retailers to conduct up to one tasting or sampling event per permit, with a maximum of 12 permits per calendar year, where attendees receive free samples limited to 1.25 ounces of wine or 0.25 ounces of distilled spirits per person.

Establishes tasting permits allowing package retailers to conduct up to 12 tasting or sampling events per year with the same sampling limits and requirement that only products in the retailer's inventory may be tasted.

Permits distillery operators holding Class 1 distiller's permits to provide free samples of in-state manufactured spirits on distillery premises during structured tours, limited to four 0.25-ounce samples per person within 24 hours, between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Sets license tax fees of $10 for temporary tasting permits and $125 for annual tasting permits; effective July 1, 2012.