The SLA may issue a “miscellaneous” permit to a not-for-profit organization to conduct a tasting and/or competition for wines made by non-licensed individuals for personal or family use. Only not-for-profits can hold these events and each organization can only hold one event per year lasting less than six hours. Other rules and regulations to be aware of:

• That the permit shall be in effect for period not to exceed six hours within the hours allowable for selling alcohol.
• The not-for-profit organization must submit a security plan detailing the location and size of the event. The plan must include adequate supervision of the event at all times to control underage drinking and over consumption. The complexity of the plan should be proportional to the size of the event and the given location where it is to be held.
• Whether conducted on its own or as part of a larger event, the tasting and/or competition shall be held indoors and confined to a clearly defined area and no one under the age of 21 shall be permitted in such area.
• Interestingly these events cannot be held anywhere that has a legal liquor license already.
• There can be no charge to attendees of the event, either for the wine tastings or for admission into the event. Voluntary donations or charges for food, souvenirs, etc., are permissible. (Divisional Order # 825, June 23, 2009)

The permit should be applied for at least one month before the scheduled event. If you need lead time for advertising the event, you should consider applying 3-4 months in advance for the permit.