Wisconsin Senate to Vote on Approving Liquor Samples

Mini-shots of hard alcohol could be offered to sample at Wisconsin liquor and grocery stores under a bill up for a vote in the state Senate.

If approved Tuesday, the measure would then go to Gov. Scott Walker for his consideration.

The bill easily cleared the Assembly last month on a voice vote.

Retailers with liquor licenses could provide customers with one half-ounce of booze, the equivalent of a third of a shot.

They already can legally offer beer and wine samples.

Supporters say offering the free mini-shots will help distilleries and other liquor sellers compete with breweries and winemakers.

Similar bills failed in 2012 and 2014.