"It'll give customers a chance to sample new and unique kinds of beer."

Tom Behnke, manager at Otto's Beverages

Not sure what kind of beer will suit your taste tonight? Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill Thursday that may help customers decide what kind of beer they are in the mood for.

The new bill will give customers of legal drinking age the chance to sample beer at local liquor and grocery stores before purchases are made. The new bill, written and proposed by Sen. Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls), aims to give liquor retailers new ways to market products.

The new law, which passed through the State Senate and Assembly on April 17, will allow each customer a maximum of six ounces of samples, in the form of two or three-ounce portions of beer.

"We have a strong history in Wisconsin of breweries from every corner of the state providing unique, high-quality beverages to adult consumers," read a press release from Kreitlow's office. "This will lead to increased sales and that will mean more jobs here in Wisconsin."

Rep. Scott Newcomer (R-Hartland) authored the State Assembly companion for the bill, adding to the notion that the bill has bipartisan support in the state legislature. There has been little to no public opposition against the bill, especially from small business owners.

When asked whether or not he'd take advantage of the new legislation, Kirk Rasmussen, manager at Gilbert's Liquor, said he would participate in the new opportunity given to liquor stores.

"Oh yeah, I'd definitely give out samples," said Rasmussen. "It's good to let the customers sample the product."

Gilbert's wouldn't be the only liquor store in the UWM area giving out beer samples. In fact, there seems to be unanimous support of the proposal among local vendors.

"I think it's a pretty good idea," said Tom Behnke, a manager at Otto's Beverage on Oakland Ave. "It'll give customers a chance to sample new and unique kinds of beer."

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