Skip to feedback
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Trade Practices Laws and Regulations

Trade Practices are defined in the Federal Alcohol Administration Act of 1935.  Amendments are reflected in the Code of Federal Regulations, and in the agency's industry circulars and rulings.

Laws

Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act

Historical Background

Summary of FAA Act Provisions

Specific FAA Act Provisions

  • (a) Exclusive outlet - An exclusive outlet is a practice by which an industry member requires a retailer to purchase its alcohol beverages.
  • (b) "Tied house'' - A "tied house" is a practice whereby an industry member induces a retailer to purchase its alcohol beverages.
  • (c) Commercial bribery - Commercial bribery is a practice whereby an industry member induces a wholesaler or retailer to purchase its alcohol beverages.
  • (d) Consignment sales - Consignment Sales is a practice whereby an industry member sells, offers for sale, or contracts to sell to any trade buyer (wholesaler or retailer) or for such trade buyer to purchase, offer to purchase or contract to purchase any such alcohol beverages on consignment, or with the privilege of return or any other type of consignment sale noted in Section 105(d) of the FAA Act and 27 Code of Federal Regulations 11.21.
  • (e) Labeling
  • (f) Advertising

Regulations

Part 1(link is external) - Basic Permit Requirements under the FAA Act

Part 4(link is external) - Labeling and Advertising of Wine

Part 5(link is external) - Labeling and Advertising of Distilled Spirits

Part 6(link is external) - Tied House

Part 7(link is external) - Labeling and Advertising of Malt Beverages

Part 8(link is external) - Exclusive Outlets

Part 10(link is external) - Commercial Bribery

Part 11(link is external) - Consignment Sales

Part 13(link is external) - Labeling Proceedings

Part 16(link is external) - Alcoholic Beverage Health Warning Statement

 

CONTACT US

For more information about Trade Practices, contact our Market Compliance Office at 202-453-2251, (option 2), or by fax at 202-453-2873, or by email at TradePractices@ttb.gov(link sends email).  Visit our Trade Investigations Division (TID) page for more information about TID's mission and responsibilities.

 

Last reviewed: April 30, 2013
Last updated: September 21, 2021
Maintained by: Trade Investigation Division