Is Your Alcohol Beverage Company’s Social Media Compliant?

Advertising /

For many alcohol beverage companies, social media has become one of the most important marketing tools for building brand recognition, engaging consumers, and promoting products. As businesses grow, it is increasingly common to outsource social media management to a marketing agency, freelance consultant, or in-house employee. However, one issue that companies frequently overlook is that […]

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NYSLA Farm Brewery vs. Microbrewery License: Understanding the Differences

New York State, NYSLA, Permits /

Entrepreneurs entering New York’s craft beer industry are often surprised to learn that New York State offers multiple brewery license types — each with different privileges, operational limitations, and compliance obligations. One of the most common questions we receive from brewery clients is whether they should apply for a Farm Brewery license or a Microbrewery

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Common TTB COLA Application Errors: Foreign Text and Required Translations

Labeling, TTB /

One of the more common — and avoidable — issues we see during the TTB Certificate of Label Approval (“COLA”) process involves labels containing foreign language text without an accompanying English translation. Although this issue may seem minor, it can result in a COLA application being placed in “Needs Correction” status, delaying approval timelines and

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Labeling Requirements for Non-Alcoholic Spirit Products: Key Compliance Considerations

Distilled Spirits, Labeling, TTB /

The market for non-alcoholic spirits and spirit alternatives continues to grow rapidly as consumers seek sophisticated beverage options without alcohol. However, despite the popularity of these products, many companies are surprised to learn that labeling non-alcoholic spirit products can present significant regulatory and compliance challenges. Unlike traditional distilled spirits, non-alcoholic spirit alternatives may fall under

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Common TTB Labeling Errors: The Government Warning Statement

Labeling /

One of the most frequently overlooked — yet critically important — requirements on alcohol beverage labels is the federal Government Warning Statement. Although the statement itself appears straightforward, we regularly encounter labels containing formatting errors, punctuation mistakes, improper placement, or incorrect font sizing. These seemingly minor issues can result in delays during the label approval

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Common TTB Labeling Errors: Adding New Text to an Approved COLA

Labeling, TTB /

One of the most common compliance mistakes we encounter in the alcohol beverage industry involves changes made to labels after a Certificate of Label Approval (“COLA”) has already been issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”). In particular, industry members often assume they may freely add marketing language, product descriptions, or

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What TTB Reports and Returns Are Required for Wineries?

TTB, Wine /

Operating a winery involves far more than producing and selling wine. Federal law imposes ongoing reporting and recordkeeping obligations on bonded wineries and bonded wine cellars, and failure to comply can lead to penalties, compliance issues, and unnecessary scrutiny from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”). Once a winery receives its federal

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When Are Wine Labels Regulated by the FDA?

FDA, Labeling, Wine /

Low-alcohol wines have become an increasingly popular category within the broader beverage market. Consumers are often drawn to these products for their lower alcohol content, reduced calorie profile, and convenience—particularly when packaged in smaller, more portable formats suited for casual, on-the-go occasions. As demand continues to grow, producers entering this space should be mindful that

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How to Select a Distributor for Your Alcohol Beverage Brand — Part 3

Distribution /

This article is the final installment in our three-part series on selecting a distributor for your alcohol beverage product. In Parts 1 and 2, we addressed strategic fit, distributor structure, and key contractual considerations. In this installment, we focus on regulatory risk, due diligence, and how to make informed, defensible decisions when entering into a

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Has Your TTB Permit Changed Since Approval? What to Know About Amendments

Permits, TTB /

If your federal permit was approved some time ago, there is a strong possibility that your business has evolved since then. Changes to ownership, operations, location, or structure are common as companies grow—and many of these changes must be reported to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”). In most cases, these updates

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