TTB

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: 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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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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Thinking About Selling Your Brewery? Key Legal Considerations

Beer, TTB /

A brewery sale is not a standard business exit. It involves transferring a federally bonded operation with regulatory approvals, production assets, distribution relationships, intellectual property, and often significant real estate and equipment. Because brewing is a highly regulated industry, the legal structure and licensing strategy behind the transaction are just as important as the purchase

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Thinking About Selling Your Winery? Key Legal Considerations

NYSLA, TTB, Wine /

Selling a winery is not just a business transaction — it is the transfer of a highly regulated operation with layered assets, licenses, intellectual property, real estate, inventory, and brand equity. Whether you are exploring a full exit or bringing in a strategic partner, early legal planning can preserve value and prevent costly delays. Below

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Alternating Proprietorship vs. Contract Brewing: Choosing the Right Path for Your Beer Brand

Beer, TTB /

For entrepreneurs entering the beer industry, one of the earliest structural decisions is how — and where — your beer will be produced. Two common models dominate the conversation: alternating proprietorship and contract brewing. While both allow brands to avoid building a standalone brewery from day one, they are legally and operationally distinct. Choosing the

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custom crush vs alternating proprietorship

Custom Crush vs. Alternating Proprietorship: What Wineries Need to Know

TTB, Wine /

As more wineries look for flexible production options, two common operating models often come into focus: custom crush and alternating proprietorship (“AP”) arrangements. While both allow wineries to produce wine at facilities they do not own, they are treated very differently under federal and state law, and choosing the wrong structure can lead to licensing,

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