SACRAMENTO, CA - A new California law allows supermarkets and liquor stores to host free tastings of beer, wine, and liquor, Supermarket News reports.

Tastings must be held in clearly designated areas separated by rope, chain, or other temporary barrier, a relaxation of the previous law that mandated a permanent, dedicated space for such events.

According to Bill Dombrowski, president of the California Retailers Association, the modified rule will allow a far greater number of retailers to offer tasting events.

"It was an economic non-starter since square footage is pretty valuable," Dombrowski said.

Under the new law, in-store tastings are limited to one type of alcohol at a time, with consumers limited to no more than 8 ounces of free beer in a day, or up to three samples of wine or distilled spirits. Wine servings are limited to 1 ounce, and liquor is capped at one-fourth of an ounce.

Retailers assume responsibility for verifying tasting participants are at least 21 years old, though the manufacturer or wholesaler distributing samples must monitor the sampling size.