TTB accepted an offer in compromise from Crown Imports in the amount of $420,000. TTB alleges that Crown violated 27 USC 205(b) by entering into “agreements or understandings with retailers, directly or indirectly through (1) an ostensibly independent third-party, or (2) an affiliate of the retailer.” In particular, Crown allegedly paid a third-party resulting in a retailer receiving payment for advertising, display, and distribution services. TTB alleges that the payments, in part, secured tap handles for Crown malt beverages and amount to a slotting allowance.
