Both sides of the Wisconsin state legislature voted in the affirmative to allow the distribution of up to 6 oz. of free beer to consumers for promotional purposes in grocery and liquor stores.

It has been legal for some time for wine distributors to dole out samples of their products, but to date beer makers have not been afforded the same rights under state law. A bill sponsored by Sen. Pat Kreitlow is expected to be signed by the governor early next week.

Surprisingly, individual liquor stores maintain the option of refusing to serve samples. Mike Fassbender, owner of Fuzzy’s Liquor in Sun Prairie, prefers to abstain from allowing free booze to be served in his shop, claiming fears that he could be held accountable if someone indulges at his place of business and then causes damages later. The weenie sells booze for a living, and he’s worried about the effects of six ounces of beer. In Wisconsin. WTF?

Wis. Lawmakers Approve Free Beer Samples [ap.org]