What is a TTB Brewer’s Notice?
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) is the federal agency responsible for regulating the alcohol beverage industry, including the issuance of federal basic permits. For breweries, the required federal permit is known as a Brewer’s Notice, which must be obtained before brewing beer for commercial sale.
The Brewer’s Notice application must be submitted to TTB, whether you are establishing a brewery, brewpub, or alternating proprietorship. While TTB previously accepted both paper and electronic applications, it now strongly encourages applicants to use Permits Online (“PONL”)—the agency’s digital filing system. Applying online simplifies record-keeping, updating permit information, and filing amendments, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Understanding the TTB Brewer’s Notice
A Brewer’s Notice authorizes a business to legally manufacture and bottle or package beer. It is required regardless of whether the business is a traditional brewery, brewpub, or alternating proprietorship. Without a Brewer’s Notice, a business cannot legally produce beer for sale or distribution.
TTB regulations define beer as any fermented beverage containing 0.5% or more alcohol by volume (“ABV”) made from malted barley or other cereal grains. If a business intends to produce beverages falling within this definition, a Brewer’s Notice is required.
Who Needs a Brewer’s Notice?
The following types of businesses typically need to obtain a Brewer’s Notice:
- Microbreweries and craft breweries producing beer for commercial sale
- Brewpubs that brew beer on-site for sale to customers
- Contract breweries that manufacture beer for other brands
- Alternating proprietorships, where multiple brewers share a brewing facility
- Businesses importing beer for domestic distribution (may require additional permits)
Even if a business is not physically brewing the beer but is involved in the bottling and/or packaging of non-taxpaid beer, a Brewer’s Notice—or another TTB permit—may still be required.
How to Apply for a TTB Brewer’s Notice
The Brewer’s Notice application process involves several steps and requires submitting detailed information about the business and its operations. Here’s a general overview of the process:
Compliance Requirements After Approval
Once a Brewer’s Notice is approved, the brewery must comply with federal regulations, including:
- Tax Reporting – Paying federal excise taxes on beer production.
- Record-Keeping – Maintaining detailed records of production, sales, and inventory (not an exhaustive list).
- Label Approval – Submitting beer labels for Certificate of Label Approval (“COLA”) when required.
- Advertising Compliance – Ensuring marketing materials meet TTB regulations.
Failing to comply with TTB regulations can result in fines, permit suspension, or revocation.
How Lindsey Zahn P.C. Can Assist with a Brewer’s Notice Application
Navigating federal and state licensing requirements can be complex and time-consuming, particularly when launching a new brewery. At Lindsey Zahn P.C., we provide legal guidance and assistance throughout the TTB permit application process, helping clients:
- Prepare and submit the Brewer’s Notice application to TTB
- Identify and resolve potential issues before submission to avoid delays
- Assist with related filings, such as state permits, FDA food facility registration, beer label approvals, and product formulations
The TTB approval process for a Brewer’s Notice can take several months, and incomplete or incorrect applications can significantly extend processing times. Our firm’s experience handling alcohol regulatory matters ensures that your application is filed correctly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on producing beer and growing your business.
If your brewery needs assistance with TTB permits or regulatory compliance, contact Lindsey Zahn P.C. today for a consultation: info@zahnlawpc.com or (929) ZAHNLAW (929-924-6529).