Wholesaler Association Chief Says Ruling Underscores
Independence, Separation of Tiers
(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Wine & Spirts Wholesalers of America (WSWA) President and CEO Craig Wolf today issued the following statement regarding ruling 2016-1 published February 11 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB):
“TTB ruling 2016-1 is an important signal to wholesalers, suppliers and retailers that there are well-established boundaries to protect the independence of each tier in the modern beverage alcohol industry.
“A strong regulatory structure, coupled with active cooperation between regulators and industry is the foundation of the three-tier system. With this ruling it is clear these principles are as important now as ever.
“Every company in each tier of the industry must carefully evaluate its current and potential programs to make sure they are in full compliance with ruling 2016-1 and the regulations underlying that ruling. Industry members that do not do so, potentially put themselves at risk for violating Federal Alcohol Administration Act prohibitions against providing things of value to retailers.
“WSWA appreciates TTB’s prompt, in-depth review of this matter as well as the long-standing relationship between the wholesale tier and its primary federal regulator.”
Click here to read an earlier WSWA press release regarding the association’s request to TTB on this and related issues.
WSWA is the national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesalers, distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has 364 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States. More information is available at www.wswa.org.