Free Beer and Wine

No, we're not using that headline to get your attention. This is really a post about free beer and wine in grocery stores.

The state's Liquor Control Board is going to allow a pilot beer-and-wine-sampling program in Washington grocery stores come October 1. According to the Seattle Times and Progressive Grocer (we actually read that one), the Legislature asked for the program during its 2008 session and expects a report from the LCB in time for its January 2010 session.

According to the reports, free samples will be allowed one time a month at seven Safeway stores, five Fred Meyer and QFC stores, two Haggen and Top Food & Drug stores, and one Albertsons store. The chains haven't announced which locations will take part. Independent stores are also being given the chance to give us some free beer and wine. Among the 14 on that preliminary list in the Seattle area are the West Seattle Thriftway, Vashon Thriftway, and Metropolitan Market in Federal Way, as well as a few spots in Tacoma and Everrett.

Our drinking habits meant our first thought was to begin figuring out how to get as sauced as possible for free. It ain't gonna be easy. The samples can only be two ounces each, and each person is allowed to consume only a total of four ounces. Even for the lightest lightweight, that's a stretch. Still, we welcome any liberalization on the part of the LCB and, of course, free drinks.

We're not holding our breath to order samples of the variety seen in EdgarDiazRocks' photo "The Things That Make Me Happy" in grocery stores, but we like to dream. At least we'll have wide range of cocktails to choose from at Seattlest's Happy Hour tonight, which you should come to.