April 17, 2009
Greetings! Hope you are having a beautiful and productive week! This week's offerings include a reminder to register now for TTB EXPO 2009 and make your hotel reservations while there is still space. We are also providing some key contacts including a really nifty way to access contact information for state regulators and a link to their Website. This valuable tool is available from our homepage by clicking on either beer, wine, or distilled spirits tabs at the top of the page, and then linking to State Alcohol Beverage Control Boards.
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In the TTB Newsletter, we compile the top TTB news of the week and other helpful information about the Bureau and the Federal alcohol and tobacco laws and regulations we enforce. Please send any questions and/or comments to Susan Stewart Evans, Executive Liaison for Industry Matters (susan.stewart-evans@ttb.gov) and/or Frosty Chapman, State Liaison (forrest.chapman@ttb.gov). |
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TTB EXPO 2009 ONLINE REGISTRATION
Registration is now open for TTB Expo 2009. View the schedule, session descriptions, and speaker bios and reserve your seat. This event is free, but advanced registration is appreciated. Read more.
TRADE PRACTICE CONTACTS
To speak with a TTB expert about a particular trade practice issue please call;
Mike Desrochers in Massachusetts at 978-649-6943
To speak with a TTB expert about a particular labeling, formula or advertising issue, contact:
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Advertising, Labeling and Formulation Division
1310 G Street, NW, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20220
Customer Service Desk (202)927-8140
or Toll Free (866)927-ALFD (2533)
FAX: (202) 927-3306
E-MAIL: alfd@ttb.treas.gov
STATE ABC BOARDS
Following national Prohibition, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution provides states with broad powers and authority to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol within their borders. (This is in addition to Federal requirements.) Each state created its own unique system of alcohol beverage control. There are two general classifications. "Control" states, 18 in number, are the sole wholesalers of distilled spirits, as well as the retailers in various ways in some of these States. "License" states, of which there are 32, do not participate in the sale of alcohol beverages and regulate through the issuance of licenses to industry members that do business within their states. (Control states also license those activities outside of the state’s direct involvement in the sale of alcohol beverages.)
In addition to meeting Federal regulations, individuals and businesses must meet each state’s individual laws and regulations. These state laws and regulations, which vary widely from state to state, may be more restrictive than Federal regulations and must be met in addition to Federal requirements unless the Federal law pre-empts the State law wherein they desire to do business. For example regarding pre-emption, the Government Warning label on alcohol beverages pre-empts the states from imposing a similar requirement. (See 27 U.S.C. section 216.) Likewise, the state may not authorize a bottle size for distilled spirits that is not also authorized at the Federal level.
The following directory provides the contact information for each state and a link to their Web site. Please contact those states directly wherein you desire to do business.
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