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Legal Updates
Our blog provides updates and insights into the complex issues affecting the alcohol industry.
Our team represents clients across the globe on industry issues such as licensing, permitting, manufacturing, TTB labels and formulas, taxation, and trade practice issues.
If you have questions, please contact our firm, or reach out to one of our contributors directly.


TTB to Cease Issuing Paper Checks for MNBP Drawback Claims
As a result of Executive Order 14247, TTB will soon end its longstanding practice of issuing paper checks for nonbeverage drawback refund claimants.
James Niekamp
4 days ago1 min read


What are Common TTB Compliance Issues in the Alcohol Industry?
Anyone with experience in the alcohol industry likely knows that it is a heavily regulated industry, with many strict rules dating back...
James Niekamp
Jul 253 min read


Can I Store Tax-Determined Product on My TTB Bonded Premises?
Those who have applied for a TTB permit likely know that a diagram of the premises is generally required, depending on the permit time.
James Niekamp
Jul 122 min read


What Records Should I Keep for TTB Compliance?
Compliance with TTB regulations requires alcohol producers to maintain detailed records of production, inventory, sales, taxation, labeling,
James Niekamp
Feb 283 min read


How Do You Get Formulas Approved by the TTB?
Anyone familiar with the alcohol manufacturing industry is likely familiar with formula approval requirements through the TTB.
James Niekamp
Jan 103 min read


What is the TTB Single Taxpayer Rule?
The Single Taxpayer Rule could create major TTB FET issues for industry members who contract-manufacture beer, wine, or spirits.
James Niekamp
Oct 9, 20243 min read


Don't Forget! TTB Requires 3 Semi-Monthly FET Returns in September
TTB has different Federal Excise Tax schedules based on specific qualifications, and for those who file semi-monthly, September is an unusua
James Niekamp
Sep 3, 20241 min read


Alcoholic Beverage Sales in Outdoor Areas in Ohio
A new law in Ohio came into effect on January 1, 2024, regarding the outdoor sale of alcoholic beverages through the signing of House Bill 3
James Niekamp
Aug 30, 20242 min read


What is the Renewal Deadline for Ohio Manufacturing Permits?
All Ohio A-Class manufacturing permits have a renewal deadline of October 1st, though technically renewals are due 15 days earlier.
James Niekamp
Aug 14, 20242 min read


How to Pay TTB Federal Excise Taxes
Any entity regulated by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (“TTB”) is likely familiar with the Federal Excise Tax (“FET”) on alcohol.
James Niekamp
Jul 30, 20243 min read


How to Submit TTB "Use-Up" Requests for Non-Compliant Labels
Gaining a Certificate of Label Approval or “COLA”, often feels like the final step in federal label compliance, but TTB compliance is an ong
James Niekamp
Jun 26, 20242 min read


What is the TTB Federal Excise Tax Rate for Distilled Spirits?
Distilled spirits plants (DSPs) must pay federal excise taxes on finished products removed from the bonded premises.
Admin
Jun 12, 20241 min read


Understanding "Tied-House" Laws and Restrictions in the Alcohol Beverage Industry
This article breaks down the elements of a prohibited tied house practice and the laws and regulations industry members must adhere to.
Arden Cleves
May 22, 20242 min read


What Products are Approved for TTB Nonbeverage Drawback?
A manufacturer of non-beverage alcohol products, or an "MNBP", may file a claim for drawback on distilled spirits used in a TTB approved non
James Niekamp
Jan 23, 20241 min read


Your TTB Audit is Over. What Happens Next?
Being audited by the TTB can be a stressful experience for those in the alcohol industry. However, depending on the findings of a TTB audit
James Niekamp
Jan 2, 20241 min read


Are You Eligible for TTB Non-beverage Drawback?
Don't leave money on the table -
MNBP's may claim drawback for up to 6 years after the time the right first accrued.
James Niekamp
Dec 8, 20232 min read


Ohio Passed Issue 2. Now What?
On November 7, 2023, a ballot initiative to commercialize, regulate, legalize, and tax the adult recreational use of cannabis was passed. S
James Niekamp
Nov 8, 20232 min read


Ohio Liquor Control Shifting to Online Product Registration Starting October 1st.
Ohio Division of Liquor Control is removing all paper applications for product registrations on their website effective October 1st, 2023.
James Niekamp
Oct 28, 20231 min read


Big Changes Proposed to Ohio's Beer Distribution Laws
Ohio seeks to join other states which have revised their existing “Franchise Act” laws to create a carve-out for smaller breweries.
James Niekamp
Sep 28, 20232 min read


It's Almost Time to Renew Your Ohio Brewery or Distillery Permit
Ohio breweries and distilleries will soon need to submit renewal permit applications to the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
James Niekamp
Aug 11, 20231 min read
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