The Alcohol & Food Law blog, published by Lindsey Zahn P.C., focuses on legal issues related to the alcohol industry, including regulatory compliance for alcohol distribution, licensing requirements for breweries and importers, and the impact of franchise laws on winery-distributor relationships. It covers federal and state regulations such as those enforced by the New York State Liquor Authority and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The blog also addresses advertising and marketing compliance, including social media regulations for alcohol brands. It provides guidance on navigating complex licensing processes, contract negotiations, and ongoing compliance obligations within the alcohol beverage sector.
Receiving an email or letter from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) can be unsettling—particularly when it comes from TTB’s Market Compliance Office.
A Market Compliance notice generally means that TTB has identified a potential compliance issue…
When an alcohol distributor files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, suppliers can suddenly find themselves facing a number of difficult questions. What happens to unpaid invoices? What happens to the inventory the distributor is holding? Will the distributor continue operating?…
The U.S. alcohol industry presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to enter the wholesale tier of the market. Whether you plan to distribute spirits, wine, beer, cider, or ready-to-drink beverages, starting a liquor distribution business requires careful planning and compliance…
Starting a distillery is an exciting milestone, but before you can legally produce, bottle, process, warehouse, or otherwise handle distilled spirits in the United States, you will generally need to obtain a Distilled Spirits Plant (“DSP”) Permit from the Alcohol…
If you’re starting an alcohol business, one of the first questions you may have after applying for a federal permit is surprisingly simple: What does a TTB permit actually look like?
Many new wineries, breweries, distilleries, importers, and wholesalers expect…
As consumer demand for non-alcoholic wine continues to grow, wineries and beverage companies are increasingly expanding their portfolios to include products containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). While these products may resemble traditional wine, they are often subject…
Starting a distillery in New York is an exciting opportunity, whether you are launching a craft spirits brand, expanding an existing beverage business, or opening a tasting room. Before producing, blending, bottling, or selling distilled spirits in New York, however,…
Many alcohol beverage companies focus heavily on product development, branding, and marketing. However, one of the most overlooked areas of compliance is alcohol advertising law.
Unlike many consumer products, alcoholic beverages are subject to a complex regulatory framework that…
The recent Chapter 11 filing by Republic National Distributing Company (“RNDC”) has left many wineries, breweries, distilleries, importers, and brand owners asking an important question: What happens if my alcohol distributor files for bankruptcy?
While a distributor bankruptcy can create…
Consumers are increasingly seeking products that align with their values, whether that means fewer ingredients, environmentally responsible practices, or a perceived health benefit. As a result, terms such as “clean,” “natural,” “sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” and “green” have become common marketing tools…
