Amends TCA Title 57, Chapter 4, Part 1.

Under present law, it is a Class A misdemeanor to sell, procure, or otherwise furnish alcoholic beverages in any quantity to a person under 21. This bill authorizes a qualified student to taste alcoholic beverages pursuant to curriculum requirements at a public or private postsecondary institution accredited by a commission recognized by the United States department of education ("qualified academic institution") that trains industry professionals in the production of fermented or distilled food or beverage products. As used in this bill, "taste" means to draw an alcoholic beverage into the mouth but does not include swallowing or otherwise consuming the alcoholic beverage.<br /> <br /> Under this bill, a student enrolled in a fermentation science, wine making, mead making, brewing, or distilling program of study at a qualified academic institution ("qualified student"); authorized instructor; or qualified academic institution is not subject to criminal prosecution if the following requirements are met: <br /> <br /> (1) The qualified student tastes the alcoholic beverage while enrolled in a qualified academic institution;<br /> <br /> (2) The qualified academic institution has an established program of study that is designed to train industry professionals in the production of fermented or distilled food or beverage products;<br /> <br /> (3) The qualified student tastes the alcoholic beverage for educational purposes as part of the instruction in a course or training required for the program of study;<br /> <br /> (4) The alcoholic beverage remains in the control of an authorized instructor of the qualified academic institution who is at least 21; and<br /> <br /> (5) Receiving the alcoholic beverage is part of the qualified student’s curriculum requirements in the student’s program of study.<br /> <br /> NO PERMIT OR LICENSE REQUIRED<br /> <br /> Under this bill, a license or permit is not required to be held by a qualified academic institution engaging in the activities authorized by this bill as long as an extra fee or charge is not imposed for the alcoholic beverages being tasted. However, tuition normally charged for a course is not considered an extra fee or charge.<br />