MS HB1318

Permits package retailer's permit holders to sell products and merchandise other than beer, provided at least 50% of licensed premises revenue comes from retail sales of alcoholic beverages in original sealed and unopened packages.

Increases the limit on package retailer's permits that one person can own or control from one to six permits, with restrictions on spouses and household members to prevent circumventing the six-permit cap.

Authorizes package retailer's permit holders to conduct tasting or sampling events with prior department approval, limited to 4 hours, with specific limits on sample sizes (1.25 ounces of wine, 0.25 ounces of distilled spirits per sample) and cumulative amounts per person.

Restricts tasting events to cordoned-off areas within the permitted location with no food service, prohibits participation by those under 21 years old, and requires holders to maintain accounting records of consumed beverages.

Effective date: July 1, 2017.