In a change that will likely be welcome to many in Florida’s restaurant industry, the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DABT) withdrew its rule on items that are customarily sold in a restaurant. This rule was notoriously confusing and caused many questions...
Administrative Rule
TTB proposes changes to standards of fill for wine and spirits
On May 25, 2022, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau announced proposed changes to the standards of fill. It proposed ten additional authorized standards of fill for wine and all the related technical and "harmonizing" changes. Moreover, as an alternative, it...
There is new CBMA guidance on distilled spirits
There was recently updated guidance involving certain Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA) provisions that directly apply to distilled spirits. These are in response to three frequently asked questions. How can we legally transfer distilled spirits in bond? The...
What makes the right wine bottle label?
Marketing is a crucial part of the business plan for those who make goods. This seems especially true among winemakers who strive to make their wine bottles look elegant, distinctive and (most importantly) memorable. Of course, the goods inside the bottle must also...
Petition for Declaratory Statement granted for client seeking to serve alcoholic beverages at catered events
Those in the alcoholic beverage industry across Florida can feel somewhat cornered into their section of the industry. Many times, this is not necessarily a bad thing. It gives businesses a chance to excel at something they’re good at and simplifies the notoriously...
There are new rules for alcohol industry paperwork
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco announced changes to how alcoholic beverage businesses file their paperwork. There will be new regulations surrounding the monthly reports and excise taxes...
Declaratory statement petitions are not a simple request
The alcohol industry is more regulated than most. So, alcoholic beverage businesses should check liquor laws and regulations before proceeding with any project that involves public sales or services. For example, a liquor store or alcoholic beverage importer may wish...
The TTB can help provide disaster relief
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) understands that natural disasters are a way of life, even for the alcohol beverage industry. Before COVID-19, this often meant dealing with damages caused by hurricanes, severe storms, or fires. So, Florida...
Why does Florida have a three-tier regulatory system?
Florida is one of 32 states that operate a three-tier competitive/license regulatory model. The three tiers are manufacturer, distributor/importer and retailer, which are all licensed by the state. This model was founded after prohibition to prevent manufacturers from...
Cigar store saves money in an offer to compromise
They say that you can’t fight city hall, but the U.S. government is another matter. A non-compliant business in the alcohol or tobacco industry can dispute an adverse action imposed by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which operates under the U.S....