LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF
"LIGHT WHISKY" AND "GRAIN SPIRITS"
Proprietors of Distilled Spirits Plants,
and Others Concerned:
Purpose: The purpose of this circular is to alert members
of the industry of the provisions of the regulations as
they relate to the prospective labeling and advertising of
"Light Whisky" and "Grain Spirits". The Service has been
requested to announce the procedures which are to be followed
in introducing these new products into commercial channels.
Background: Following a Public Hearing held in September
1967, the distilled spirits labeling and advertising regulations (27 CFR, Part 5) were amended by T.D. 6945 to provide
standards of identity for "Light Whisky" and "Grain Spirits".
In the interest of equity between members of the industry to
avoid any unfair advantages resulting from existing stocks
of distilled spirits, the status of which would otherwise be
affected by the new standards, and to permit the industry an
opportunity to adjust its operations to the changed rules,
the provisions of the regulations establishing new standards
of identity were made effective July 1, 1972.
Conclusion: In recognition of the effective date provisions
of T.D. 6945, "Light Whisky" and "Grain Spirits" will not be
permitted to be tax-determined, removed from bonded storage,
and bottled until July 1, 1972. However, to provide bottlers
sufficient time to obtain required documents prior to the
date of bottling and because of the price-posting requirements of some of the States, certificates of label approval
will be issued pursuant to the submission of proper applications (Form 1649) prior to July 1, 1972, but such certificates
will be endorsed so as to make them inoperative until July 1,
1972.
In as much as "Light Whisky" and "Grain Spirits" will be
new products to the consumer, it is logical that they should
be permitted to be introduced through advertising media prior
to their availability in the market. Therefore, in order to
permit an orderly introduction of these products to the public,
advertising will be permitted 90 days prior to their availability to the consumer. In other words, "Light Whisky" and
"Grain Spirits" will be permitted to be advertised on and
after April 1, 1972.
Inquiries: Correspondence in regard to this industry circular
should refer to its number and be addressed to the Director,
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Division (CP:AT:RT) Internal
Revenue Service, Washington, D. C. 20224.
Rex D. Davis
Director |