What a TTB COLA Does—and Does Not—Protect You From
When launching a new wine, beer, or spirits product in the U.S., many brand owners breathe a sigh of relief when their Certificate of Label Approval (“COLA”) is issued by…
Alcohol Beverage & Food Law Firm
TTB, FDA, and state alcohol law, handled under one roof.
Lindsey Zahn P.C. advises wineries, breweries, distilleries, importers, and food and beverage brands at every stage of the business, from formation and federal permits to labels, formulas, state licensing, distribution, and ongoing compliance, with an operator’s understanding of how hospitality businesses run.
- Federal and StatePermits, labels, formulas, and licenses before the TTB, FDA, and state regulators.
- Hundreds of ClientsLindsey has counseled startups through publicly traded multinationals.
- Author of On ReserveTwice named to the ABA Journal's list of top 100 legal blogs.
- In the PressQuoted in The Wall Street Journal and by CNN, and cited in law reviews.
As featured in
- The Wall Street Journal
- CNN
- ABA Journal Blawg 100 (twice)
- Decanter
- Wine Industry Insight
- The MHW Mark Podcast
- Cider Chat
From Your First Permit to Your Everyday Legal Needs
All servicesThe filings, reviews, and agreements that let you focus on making and selling great products.
TTB Permits
Federal basic permits, brewer's notices, DSP permits, amendments, and relocations.
TTB Labels / COLAs
Label review and Certificate of Label Approval filings through approval.
TTB Formulas
Formula drafting, GRAS ingredient review, and TTB submissions.
NYSLA Licenses
New York State Liquor Authority licenses, brand registration, and changes.
Social Media & Advertising
Advertising, website, and social media review under TTB and tied house rules.
Compliance & Trade Practices
Outside compliance counsel: reporting, direct shipping, tied house, and more.
FDA: Low-Alcohol & Non-Alcoholic
FDA labels for wines under 7% ABV, dealcoholized wines, and non-malt beers.
FDA: Food Products
FDA food label review, nutrition exemptions, claims, and facility registration.
Distribution & AP Agreements
Distribution agreements, franchise law, and alternating proprietorship agreements.
Contract Production and Co-Packing Agreements
Contract production, custom crush, and co-packing agreements for brands and producers.
Grape Variety & AVA Petitions
Petitions to establish new AVAs and approve new grape variety names.
Corporate Restructuring & M&A
Federal and state filings for ownership changes, mergers, and acquisitions.
Industries We Serve
All industries- WineBasic winery permits, labels, formulas, and alternating proprietorships.
- BeerBrewer's notices, brewery versus brewpub, and malt beverage labeling.
- SpiritsDSP permits, bonded premises, age statements, and statements of composition.
- CiderCider permits, labels, excise taxes, and FDA rules under 7% ABV.
- MeadMeadery permits, mead labels, and formulas.
- Hard SeltzerPermits and TTB or FDA labeling, depending on your base.
- SakeFormulas, sample analysis, and labeling for domestic and imported sake.
- ImportersImporter permits, COLAs, use-up requests, and COLA waivers.
- Wholesalers & DistributorsPermits, licenses, agreements, and ownership changes for distributors.
What Clients Say
All testimonials“I can't express enough gratitude for Lindsey's unwavering support since day one at VIDE. Her expertise and guidance have been instrumental in navigating the complex and intricate landscape of alcoholic beverage compliance and regulations. Lindsey's ability to handle these challenges with ease has been a game-changer for our venture. Frankly, we wouldn't have even started our journey without her. Lindsey, thank you for being an invaluable part of our story.”
“She’s helped me across a wide range of areas from navigating complex state regulations and compliance to drafting and negotiating contracts. What I appreciate most is her ability to break down complicated legal issues into clear, actionable advice.”
“Lindsey has always been great to work with. When we started Brushy Mountain Distillery ten years ago, we had a lot to learn. Thankfully, Lindsey was there to handle all our TTB interactions. Communication was great throughout and our approvals were granted without issue. We continue to maintain a relationship with Lindsey Zahn P.C. and recommend them every chance we get.”
Our Publications
Lindsey Zahn P.C. publishes news and analysis for the industry across three sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Beverage and Food Law
What does an alcohol beverage lawyer do?
An alcohol beverage lawyer helps wineries, breweries, distilleries, importers, distributors, and brand owners meet the federal and state rules that govern making, labeling, selling, and shipping alcohol. That includes TTB permits and label approvals, state licenses, distribution agreements, advertising reviews, and ongoing compliance.
Do I need a TTB permit or a state license first?
Most alcohol businesses need both. Many states will not issue a license until you have a federal TTB permit or a pending application, so the two are usually planned together. The right order depends on your business and the states involved.
What is a COLA, and does my product need one?
A COLA is a Certificate of Label Approval from the TTB. Most wines, beers, and spirits need one before they can be sold across state lines or imported. Some products, such as wines under 7% alcohol and certain beers, follow FDA labeling rules instead.
Does the firm work with food companies too?
Yes. Lindsey Zahn P.C. advises food manufacturers, co-packers, and importers on FDA labeling, ingredient and claim reviews, and facility registration, in addition to its alcohol beverage work.
News and Updates
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Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way brands create marketing content. For alcohol beverage companies, AI tools can make it easier to generate everything from social media graphics and lifestyle…
Considering an Alternating Proprietorship? What Alcohol Producers Should Know
For many new and growing alcohol beverage businesses, one of the biggest challenges is the cost of establishing and maintaining a production facility. Purchasing or leasing a dedicated facility, acquiring…
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News on TTB, FDA, and state rules that affect wine, beer, spirits, and food businesses, from Lindsey Zahn P.C.
Tell us about your project.
Launching a brand, filing a permit, entering a new state, or facing a regulator? Request an initial consultation and the firm will follow up.