The state legislature is considering a bill that could lead to the legalization of wine and beer tastings at farmers markets, according to The Seattle Times.

The bill, sponsored by state Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, proposes a pilot project to test tastings at 10 markets. From the article:

"The bill would direct the state Liquor Control Board to choose 10 farmers markets for the pilot project, which would run from July 2011 to September 2012. Only one winery or microbrewery could offer samples at a market per day, customers would have to stay in a designated tasting location, and food would be available to customers as they drink their samples of two ounces or less."

Spokespeople from the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, Washington State Farmers Market Association, and Rockridge Farms have all appeared before the legislature to support the bill, while representatives from the Washington Association for Substance Abuse Prevention have come out against it.

Thanks to a similar project in 2008, Washington state grocery stores can now apply for a permit to host instore wine and beer tastings.