News TTB Seeks Input on Promoting Competition – Brewers Can Submit Comments

In response to a recent Executive Order from the White House on promoting competition in the American market, the Treasury Department has issued a request for information to solicit comments about the current market structure and competition in the U.S. beer, wine, and spirits markets.

Among other things, the Executive Order requires the Treasury Department, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, to submit a report “assessing the current market structure and conditions of competition [for beer, wine, and spirits], including an assessment of any threats to competition and barriers to new entrants.”  The report is to include discussion of unlawful trade practices; patterns of consolidation in production, distribution, or retail markets; and “any unnecessary trade practice regulations of matters such as bottle sizes, permitting, or labeling that may unnecessarily inhibit competition.”

To inform these efforts, the Treasury Department is seeking comments on these topics from participants in the beer, wine, and spirits markets, consumer groups, public interest groups, and interested private parties.

This is a chance for brewers to inform the TTB on any market issues you may feel are inti-competitive.

You can submit comments electronically using the comment form here.  Comment are due no later than August 18, 2021, to ensure full consideration.

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