Improving Transparency and Safety in the Alcohol Industry: A Call to Action for the TTB

Pennsylvania Pushes for Improved Alcohol Labeling Regulations

Pennsylvania, ranked fourth nationally in the number of federally licensed distilleries, is making a push for improved alcohol labeling regulations to protect consumers and promote transparency in the industry. With the state being home to Yuengling, “America’s Oldest Brewery,” the importance of ensuring product quality and consumer safety is paramount.

The U.S. Treasury Department and its Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) have come under fire for their failure to update labeling regulations in the U.S. alcohol industry. This lack of action has left consumers confused, compromised public health and safety, and created uneven competitive challenges for smaller hard liquor distillers.

One of the key issues at hand is the lack of important information being included on alcohol products. Large hard liquor distillers have been selling products without fully disclosing ingredients, nutritional value, and alcohol content. This lack of transparency is concerning for consumers who have the right to know what they are consuming.

Another issue that has arisen is the increase in sales of mini liquor bottles, or nips, which are easily concealed and contribute to unruly behavior, underage drinking, and other abuses. States like New Mexico and Massachusetts have taken steps to ban the sale of mini bottles for off-premises consumption, highlighting the need for stricter regulations at the federal level.

Additionally, the use of “recognized cocktail exceptions” by hard liquor companies to avoid disclosing product ingredients has raised concerns. Many foreign companies are taking advantage of this loophole to add unusual and unknown ingredients to their products, receiving tax breaks in the process. Pennsylvania’s strict regulations on label content serve as a model for the industry and highlight the need for uniform labeling rules nationwide.

As the TTB considers updating industry labeling rules, Pennsylvania is calling for increased transparency from distillers to protect consumers and regulate the industry more effectively. By demanding accurate and informative labeling on alcohol products, the TTB can help ensure a safer and more equitable marketplace for both consumers and businesses.