1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to alcohol; allowing alcohol use by sensory testing services;proposing 
1.3 	coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 325E.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. [325E.041] SENSORY TESTING RESEARCH.
1.6 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
1.7 	the meanings given:
1.8 	(1) "sensory testing firm" is a business that tests consumer reaction to physical 
1.9 	aspects of products for a third-party client;
1.10 	(2) "trained sensory assessors" are members of the public at least 21 years of age 
1.11 	selected by sensory testing firms and trained for a minimum of one hour to test products;
1.12 	(3) "sensory testing facility" is a facility specifically designed as a controlled 
1.13 	environment for testing; and
1.14 	(4) "department" is the Department of Public Safety.
1.15 		Subd. 2.Allowed activities. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a sensory 
1.16 	testing firm may possess and may purchase alcohol at retail or wholesale, and may allow 
1.17 	consumption of that alcohol, by trained sensory assessors for testing purposes at their 
1.18 	facility, provided that:
1.19 	(1) the firm must comply with section 340A.409 and all other state laws that do not 
1.20 	conflict with this section;
1.21 	(2) firms choosing to serve alcohol must be licensed by the department, which may 
1.22 	assess a fee sufficient to cover costs; and
1.23 	(3) records of testing protocols must be retained by the firm for at least one year.

2.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.