Please note that the Federal Reserve Bank consolidation of collateral services will not affect anyone who currently has a Treasury Note, Bill or Bond in an ATF safekeeping account. Interest will continue to be directly deposited to the industry member's bank account and the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank will still provide accounting statements that show all information that was formerly provided. q

Winery Compliance Seminars
By Leslie Nelson (202) 927-8410

During February 25-March 8, 2002, members of the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division and the National Revenue Center along with representatives of the San Francisco Field Division participated in Winery Compliance Seminars sponsored by the San Francisco Field Division. The nine seminars, held in Gilroy, Fresno, Lodi, St. Helena, and Rohnert Park, were presented to members of the California wine industry to provide them with a better understanding of the federal regulations governing the production, distribution, labeling and exportation of wine.

The presenters discussed a range of topics which included how to maintain required ATF records and correctly file reports, tax returns, applications for amendments, applications for label approval and export forms. Other subjects covered included explanations of applicable tax rates and credits, mandatory wine label information, the establishment of American Viticultural Areas and electronic filing of Certificates of Label Approval.

The seminars were attended by 325 industry members, the majority of whom offered positive feedback with regard to the subject matter covered during the presentations as well as expressed the hope that ATF would offer more such seminars in the future. Overall, the Wine Compliance Seminars were a positive experience for all involved. They provided ATF members with a unique opportunity not only to educate a large number of industry members but also to interact with and learn from them as well. q

Changes in Control/Ownership
By Robert Adams (513) 684-2791

Anyone holding a federal basic permit should be aware of the importance of filing a new application within thirty days of any changes in ownership or control of their business operations. If an application is not timely filed, the permit is no longer valid.

Here are some examples of changes in ownership:

1. When one entity purchases another entity's business, which holds a basic permit.
   
2. In the case of a general partnership, when a partner is added or deleted from the general partnership.
   
3. If a corporation, reincorporating in another state.
   

Here is an example of a change in control - actual and legal:

1. An actual change in control of a corporation can occur with major changes in the corporate officers/directors, or when two or more minority stockholders band together to assume control.
   
2. A change in legal control occurs when a person acquires more than 50% of the stock of a corporation, or a person who was a majority stockholder decreases their stock ownership to 50% or less.

For clarification on issues regarding changes in ownership or control, contact the National Revenue Center at 800-398-2282 (513-684-3334) (e-mail: natlrevctr@cinc.atf.treas.gov). Written notification and correspondence should be sent to: ATF National Revenue Center, 8002 JWP Federal Office Building, 550 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-3263. q