If you’re starting an alcohol business, one of the first questions you may have after applying for a federal permit is surprisingly simple: What does a TTB permit actually look like? Many new wineries, breweries, distilleries, importers, and wholesalers expect to receive an ornate certificate suitable for framing. In reality, a TTB permit is a
As consumer demand for non-alcoholic wine continues to grow, wineries and beverage companies are increasingly expanding their portfolios to include products containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). While these products may resemble traditional wine, they are often subject to a very different regulatory framework. Understanding the applicable labeling requirements before printing labels or
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
Common TTB COLA Application Errors: Foreign Text and Required Translations Read More »
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
Labeling Requirements for Non-Alcoholic Spirit Products: Key Compliance Considerations Read More »
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
Common TTB Labeling Errors: Adding New Text to an Approved COLA Read More »
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
What TTB Reports and Returns Are Required for Wineries? Read More »
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
Has Your TTB Permit Changed Since Approval? What to Know About Amendments Read More »
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
Thinking About Selling Your Brewery? Key Legal Considerations Read More »
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
Thinking About Selling Your Winery? Key Legal Considerations Read More »
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