This line in TTB Brewr's Notice FAQ

[uptown brothers]

"Can I go ahead and file the paperwork although I'm not quite ready to open for business?

You may file your application within 95 days of your opening for business. You should have all construction complete and all necessary equipment to brew beer in place."

I was positive I had read posts here about Brewer's Notices being filed based on drawings/plans, as opposed to completion of construction, but a boolean search of "TTB & Brewer's & Notice" turned up lots of helpful info but nothing on this. My manufaturer needs 12 wks lead time, and this doesn't include shipment, installation, inspection.

Do I have to have the construction/installation done/completed before I file, or before my application is considered "perfected notice"? I'd like to minimize the gap between forking out the cash and actually being able to use the equipment...and their word is "should", not "must."

[nohandslance]

Our time line was: Lease building, tenant improvements, put equipment in place, file state and federal forms, start piping in equipment. It took me about 40 days to get the used system up and running and then we got the call on Wednesday that we could commence brewing. A great day! Total time from leasing building and brewing the first batch of beer was 5 months. If you are going to invest, you need to know the biggest chunk of money will come from the monthy payment and upgrades on a building that is an empty shell waiting for some equipment.
Good luck

[uptown brothers]

well...we're not in an empty shell, we're retrofitting an existing virtually turn-key restaurant/bar with an existing license (called "Hotel & Restaurant" in our state), putting brewery in currently under-utilized space ("private party/event room" where they apparently didn't book very many parties or events...or enough to keep open)

So....we'll be filing a transfer app and be open for business under a temporary while the transfer hearing is pending, probably 45-60 days from closing, THEN, when the system is manufactured, pulling the building permits, getting the installation done and inspected, and only then per your timetable, filing for state brewpub license and Fed Brewer's Notice... thereby cash-flowing continuously...(crosses fingers; this is the plan anyway)

If it's five-six months from closing on our deal, I guess it is what it is. Thanks for letting me know via voice of experience! Must be terrible waiting in a packaging brewery w/ no revenue coming in, 90-100 days after everything is installed, inspected, and ready to brew, all the while (presumably) paying rent!

[uptown brothers]

if any other noobies are interested, TTB called me back (Denver excise does NOT return calls, Colorado Dept of Revenue does on about your 3d one, I was impressed), and told me they will accept the app up to 60 days before estimated installation of equipment, provided you submit invoice & receipt showing you've actually paid for it. Of course they then, later, confirm installation prior to approval.

Guess this weeds out the people who aren't really going to follow through while simultaneously doing something for the lag time problem, and again, I'm impressed.