In the world of alcoholic beverages, a fascinating process called “bulk transfer” takes place. This is when one manufacturer, known as the “shipper” or “consignor,” sends a large quantity of wine or distilled spirits to another manufacturer, referred to as the “receiving plant” or “consignee.” This type of transfer, often known as a “transfer in bond” (TIB), is quite...
Continue ReadingIf you’re thinking about starting a brewery, brewpub, winery, or distillery, it’s important to understand that these businesses require special licensing for both alcohol and food. While alcohol has its unique regulations, it is still considered a food product by the primary food regulatory agencies. In this blog post, we will explore the requirements for obtaining food licenses and...
Continue ReadingFlorida distilleries must be careful about how they participate in festivals. It’s not as easy as just showing up with the booze.
Continue ReadingWhen you finally receive the necessary licenses to operate your beverage business in Florida from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), it’s incredibly exciting and relieving. However, it’s important to remember that your relationship with these organizations is ongoing, and there may be circumstances in which...
Continue ReadingRather than launching a new Florida alcoholic beverage manufacturer, it might be better to buy an existing operation. The Buyer gets a built-out premises, with all the equipment and buildout already in place, and a built-in customer base. The Seller gets to move onto other things. Business transfer transaction are always complicated, and even more so in a heavily...
Continue ReadingThe manufacturing of food products, including alcoholic beverages, is regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety and other areas. Before manufacturing or selling alcoholic beverages (or any other food product), unless an exception...
Continue ReadingFederal law requires that the well-recognized Government Warning: GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems. be affixed to a “conspicuous and prominent place...
Continue ReadingWe reviewed the 2021 Florida Craft Distilleries Law in two prior blog posts–2021 Florida Craft Distilleries Law: General Overview and 2021 Florida Craft Distilleries Law: Destination Entertainment Venues–but questions remain. Following are just five questions we have about the new law. Question #1: Can new Florida craft distillery apply directly for the DD(CD) license? It is unclear whether a...
Continue ReadingThe 2021 Florida Craft Distilleries Law creates a new non-quota, consumption-on-premises only alcoholic beverage license that may be issued to a craft distillery located within a destination entertainment venue. Because the ABT has not yet designated class for this new license, this article refers to this license as a 4COP-DEV. For a general discussion of the 2021 Craft Distilleries...
Continue ReadingThe 2021 Florida Craft Distilleries Law changes the legal landscape for all craft distilleries in 3 main areas: (1) what they can make and sell to consumers, (2) where they can sell it, and (3) how big they can get. A fourth aspect of the law–the creation of “destination entertainment venues”–will be explored in a future blog post. Florida...
Continue Reading