TTB 23

Starting next year, The TTB (Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau) will be on the lookout for a pair of items that will affect breweries.

  1. Change of ownership will need to be disclosed in a timely manner or penalties will accrue. Might not be a big deal for many but needs to be watched out for.
  2. Pay your taxes or they will hold up any expansion plans to other locations that you have in mind.

Both scenarios could come into play if you do not keep up to date with everything so get your paperwork ducks in a nice row.

TTB v AB

When people ask me why I am not fond of SABInBev, I do mention that the beer is the equivalent of tacos to Taco Bell but that primarily they seem to enjoy being the bully.

Sometimes bullies get popped on the nose though. Case in point the $5 million compromise fine levied by the TTB.

The payment is for alleged violations of the Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act occurred way back in time between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. Most involving stadium and arena concessions which they sure aren’t making 5 million on right now.

Shitty little actions such as giving sponsorships but only if they can be the sole vendor, providing equipment in exchange for sales, paying for new draft systems, giving product for less than market value, hiding behind a third party to do the same.

Now, this fine is not much to SABInBev. But they do need to be reminded, like bullies everywhere, that they have to toe a least “a line”.

TTB and Weed

No, that is not a new cop buddy movie. Though I will sell the title if wanted. It is re: a recent memo from the TTB, aka the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

The TTB looks to be warning those who are pushing the leading edge of beer and cannabis. Maybe in part to recent business acquisitions of and by marijuana companies. Maybe due to the fact that labels are showing up that cause red flags to raise up. Either way, my guess is that limited runs of these beers and probably not in to-go packaging is in the future.