The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) continues to make its presence known in the unfair trade practice arena. The TTB has accepted a $900,000 offer in compromise from Warsteiner Importers Agency Inc. for alleged violations of the trade practice provisions of the Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act. The allegations include violations of 27 U.S.C. 205(a) (Exclusive Outlet), 27 U.S.C. 205 (b)(Tied House), 27 U.S.C. 205 (c) (Commercial Bribery), and 27 U.S.C. 205 (d) (Consignment Sales). With the increased resources allocated to the TTB, it’s evident that enforcement of the unfair trade practice provisions remain a top priority.
For basics on pay-to-play violations, see this article.