Sec. 106.16. EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN COURSE WORK. (a) In this section:

(1) "Career school or college" has the meaning assigned by Section 132.001, Education Code.

(2) "Taste" means to draw a beverage into the mouth without swallowing or otherwise consuming the beverage.

Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2021

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a minor may taste an alcoholic beverage if:

(1) the minor:

(A) is at least 18 years old; and

(B) is enrolled:

(i) as a student at a public or private institution of higher education or a career school or college that offers a program in culinary arts, viticulture, enology or wine technology, brewing or beer technology, or distilled spirits production or technology; and

(ii) in a course that is part of a program described by Subparagraph (i);

(2) the beverage is tasted for educational purposes as part of the curriculum for the course described by Subdivision (1)(B)(ii);

(3) the beverage is not purchased by the minor; and

(4) the service and tasting of the beverage is supervised by a faculty or staff member who is at least 21 years of age.

Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2021

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a minor may taste an alcoholic beverage if:

(1) the minor:

(A) is at least 18 years old; and

(B) is enrolled:

(i) as a student at a public or private institution of higher education or a career school or college that offers a program in culinary arts, viticulture, enology or wine technology, brewing or malt beverage technology, or distilled spirits production or technology; and

(ii) in a course that is part of a program described by Subparagraph (i);

(2) the beverage is tasted for educational purposes as part of the curriculum for the course described by Subdivision (1)(B)(ii);

(3) the beverage is not purchased by the minor; and

(4) the service and tasting of the beverage is supervised by a faculty or staff member who is at least 21 years of age.

(c) A public or private institution of higher education or a career school or college is not required to hold a license or permit to engage in the activities authorized under this section.

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 514 (H.B. 909), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2015.

Amended by:

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1359 (H.B. 1545), Sec. 330, eff. September 1, 2021.