Curious beer fans who want to try before they buy might one day have the chance to sample certain beers for free at Lucky Goat Brewing.

But it’s not possible just yet.

During their June 15 meeting, the Board of Selectmen discussed authorizing Lucky Goat Brewing — a brewery and taproom located at 379 Main Street in the old fish market — to give out free samples of its products. 

Lucky Goat is still in the process of opening its taproom, but it began selling its first IPA on April 30. Owners Caitlin Hurd, Kendall Peabody, and Aaron Perry have said they hope the taproom becomes a space for the community to come together to drink beer and spend time with people of all ages (and dogs).

Peabody and Perry attended the meeting on June 15 to explain their desire to hand out samples. 

“We have a lot of people coming in and they’re curious about the beer,” Peabody said. “They want to try a little bit before they invest $16 in a four-pack, as you can imagine.”

Town Counsel Richard Bowen said the state’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission has the authority to permit Lucky Goat to give out free samples — as long as the Board of Selectmen votes to declare that giving away free samples doesn’t constitute sales activity. 

The selectmen weren’t sold on the idea of free samples of alcohol. 

“I gotta tell you, I don’t like it,” said Selectman Judith Whiteside. “I don’t like it because I don’t think it’s controllable.”

Selectman Jim Munise said wanted Peabody and Perry to definitively outline the size of samples they planned to hand out and the limits they would impose on samples.

Selectmen Whiteside and Peter Teitelbaum also said they would not approve Lucky Goat to hand out samples until the establishment secured its TIPS certification along with its pouring license. The certification is obtained by taking training about responsibly selling and serving alcohol.

The board considered a motion that would have authorized Lucky Goat to hand out samples — contingent on earning the TIPS certification and establishing a protocol for samples — but only Selectmen Alan Slavin and Teitelbaum voted in favor of it. Selectmen Whiteside and Patrick Tropeano voted against the motion and Munise voted “present.” 

The selectmen asked for more information before they would consider the request again. 

“Today you were not successful, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be successful,” Whiteside told the owners.