If you’re frustrated by the lack of alcohol samples at U.S. Costco stores, don’t blame the chain itself. The real issue lies in the often confusing and varied laws applied to alcohol sales throughout the nation. In some places, shoppers can buy all types of alcohol in grocery stores, including liquor. In others, grocery stores are only allowed to sell less potent beverages, like beer and wine. Costco locations must adhere to different state laws to avoid non-compliance issues, which can affect the types of alcohol sold, as well as the practices for selling alcohol (and presumably, providing free samples).
Many Costco stores throughout the country sell alcohol. In some states, non-members can purchase alcohol from the chain, while in others only members are permitted to. To make things even more confusing, the member/non-member divide can also be a factor in the types of alcohol sold, meaning that non-members may only be allowed to purchase certain types of alcohol depending on the laws of the state.