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Tax Simplification

June 13, 2025

Your Trade Practice Questions Answered: Consumer Tasting or Sampling at Retail Establishments

Question: Can a producer or wholesaler (industry member) sponsor a "grand opening" party or an "open house" at a retailer's premises?

Answer: An industry member may sponsor a product tasting as part of a "grand opening" or "open house" under the Subpart D Exception at 27 CFR 6.95, but sponsoring the event itself would not fall under the exception. This exception is intended to cover tastings or samplings sponsored by an industry member to acquaint retailers and consumers with a product. It is not intended to familiarize the consumer with a retail establishment, nor is it intended as a means by which an industry member furnishes quantities of food, entertainment, or other amenities to retailers as a means of building good will.

An industry member may also advertise a consumer tasting if the advertisement lists the names and addresses of two or more unaffiliated retailers and meets the other requirements of 27 CFR 6.98.

For information on other Tied House Subpart D Exceptions, watch the Tied House video in the TTB Trade Practices Video Series.

In Commemoration of Juneteenth

In commemoration of Juneteenth, TTB offices will be closed on Thursday,
June 19.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee

TTB-regulated industries may find this notice of interest.

SOURCE: Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 107 / Thursday, June 5, 2024

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

ACTION: Notice of open Federal Advisory Committee meeting

SUMMARY: The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) will hold its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Washington, DC. The meeting will be open to the public via webinar only.

DATES: The COAC will meet on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Please note the meeting may close early if the committee has completed its business. Comments must be submitted in writing no later than June 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

What's Trending on TTB.gov: International Affairs Division

• Importing Bottled Alcohol Beverages Into the United States
• Importing Samples for Trade Shows and/or for Soliciting Orders
• Exporting Alcohol Beverages from the U.S.
• Export Documents
• International Import/Export Requirements

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