Federal, State & Local Compliance
TTB permits, premises, records, state licensing, zoning, fire, building, environmental and tax requirements.
Equipment research is separated from legal authorization. Verify the intended use and premises before operation.
Federal Home Distilling Law
TTB states that federal law prohibits producing distilled spirits at home.
Distilled Spirits Plant Permits
A business must qualify with TTB before operating a DSP.
Alcohol Fuel Plant Permits
Fuel alcohol production follows the AFP permit and compliance pathway.
Still Registration
Registration and equipment rules depend on the still, premises and intended spirits activity.
Prohibited Residential Premises
Federal law restricts location of distilled spirits plants in residences and connected areas.
State Distillery Licensing
State alcohol authorities impose separate licenses, taxes and operating rules.
Local Zoning
Land use, occupancy, neighborhood and industrial-location approvals can control feasibility.
Building Permits
Vessels, platforms, utilities, structural work and occupancy require local review.
Fire-Code Review
Flammable liquids, vapors, storage, egress and suppression require fire-authority coordination.
Electrical Permits
Heating, controls, pumps and hazardous areas require qualified design and inspection.
Boiler and Pressure-Vessel Rules
Steam systems and pressure vessels may require registration and inspection.
Environmental Permits
Air, wastewater, stormwater, waste and spill rules can apply.
Wastewater Approval
High-strength process wastewater and cleaning discharge may require pretreatment.
Water Supply Approval
Commercial process and product water require suitable source and testing.
TTB Permits Online
The federal application system handles alcohol-industry permits and amendments.
DSP Premises Diagram
Applications require a clear description and diagram of approved premises.
DSP Equipment List
Applications and operations depend on documented plant equipment and use.
DSP Bonded Premises
Bonded and general premises must be defined and controlled.
DSP Recordkeeping
Production, storage, processing, transfers and removals require records.
DSP Reports
Qualified plants file required operational and tax reports.
Excise Tax
Distilled spirits tax and removals require current TTB compliance.
Formula Approval
Some products require formula review before production or market use.
Label Approval
Beverage alcohol labels may require COLA approval and compliant claims.
Standards of Identity
Product class and type rules affect labeling and production.
State Brand Registration
Some states require product or brand registration.
Wholesale and Distribution
Federal and state permits may govern distribution relationships.
Direct-to-Consumer Shipping
Shipping distilled spirits is heavily regulated and state-specific.
Retail Tasting Rooms
State and local licenses, service rules and occupancy requirements apply.
Alcohol Fuel Denaturing
Fuel alcohol must follow the authorized denaturing and use rules.
Nonbeverage Alcohol Permits
Industrial alcohol users and dealers may require separate permits.
Equipment Import Compliance
Imported vessels, electrical gear and components require customs and code review.
Used Equipment Records
Serials, bills of sale, prior permits and decommissioning records matter.
Change in Ownership
TTB and state permits generally require updates or new applications.
Change in Premises
Moving or expanding equipment can require amended approvals.
Compliance File Checklist
Keep permits, diagrams, equipment lists, manuals, inspections, records and correspondence together.