Regulations Corner

Comments on Revised ATF Form - Taxable Articles Without Payment of Tax

By Robert Ruhf (202)927-8210

ATF has revised the Notice of Removal of Tobacco Products, Cigarette Papers or Cigarette Tubes, ATF Form 5200.14. The title is now Taxabale Articles Without Payment of Tax, and the format reflects the plain language style.

We asked for your comments about the revision in a Notice published in the Federal Register (67 FR 54081) on August 20, 2002, and also invite yoru comments here. All comments are due no later than October 21, 2002. This revised form should help you to:

• Fill out the form more accurately.
• Reduce your need to follow-up or correct forms you submit.
• Reduce time you spend to find out how to complete the form.

Major changes include:

• Expanded instructions on how each item should be completed;
• Elimination of the requirement for certain shipment information;
• More flexibility in identifying the shipment; and
• Space for the printed names of individuals who provide proof of export, in addition to their signatures.

Wholesaler's and Importers of Alcoholic Beverages

By Joyce Thompson (513)684-2807

When requesting an amendment to a Federal Basic Permit, please be sure Special Occupational Tax (SOT) for the current year has been paid. Amendments are reviewed thoroughly against the SOT database for verification of payment. If no payment has been received, the Federal Basic Permit cannot be amended. This is just a reminder that SOT in the amount of $500.00 is due and payable by July 1 each year.

If you any questions regarding amended permits, please contact the Wholesaler/Importer Unit at (513) 684-3337.

ATF Denies California Coast AVA Petition

By Nancy Sutton (415) 947-5192 and Michael Hoover (202) 927-8210

ATF has denied the California Coast viticultural area petition submitted in March 2002 by the California Coast Alliance. ATF published Notice No. 951 announcing the petition's denial in the Federal Register on August 7, 2002. The Notice and an 80 page supplemental report that details reasons for the denial are posted on the ATF web site at

www.atf.gov/alcohol/rules/index.htm

The denial Notice comes after a September 2000 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that requested public comments (see Notice No. 903, 65 FR 57763). ATF received 477 comments in response, including substantive documentation and evidence from several industry groups opposed to the petition. Ninety-seven percent of all comments expressed opposition to the petitioned viticultural area.

The boundaries of the petitioned area extended along the Pacific coast from Mexico north to Mendocino County, about 200 miles south of the Oregon border, and from 5 to 68 miles inland. The petitioned viticultural area spanned 650